Jon Jones Backs Topuria in Hypothetical Fight
Mixed martial arts Jon Jones has backed Ilia Topuria to defeat Islam Makhachev in a hypothetical fight, pointing to the former champion’s devastating knockout power as the deciding factor in the matchup.
The potential showdown has remained a frequent talking point among MMA fans and analysts, even as immediate paths for both fighters diverge. Topuria continues his recovery following injuries sustained during his bout against Justin Gaethje at the White House southern grounds, while Makhachev prepares to defend his welterweight belt against Ian Garry at UFC 330 on August 15.
Weighing Striking Against Wrestling Dominance
Speaking in an interview with ALF Global, Jones addressed the persistent debate surrounding a potential clash between the two elite athletes. The consensus all-time great made clear where his financial backing would lie if the bout ever materializes.
«If I had to apostar personalmente en ese combate, I think I would put my money on Ilia,» Jones told the outlet, utilizing his analytical framework built over a long UFC career to assess the stylistic pairing.
The Grappling Threat of Makhachev
At the same time, the longtime champion acknowledged the formidable skill set that makes Makhachev a perennial force inside the Octagon. Jones noted that if Makhachev manages to dictate the grappling exchanges and impose his wrestling style, the outcome could easily swing in favor of the champion.
Diverging Paths for UFC Stars
Whether the two fighters will ever share the cage remains uncertain. Topuria is currently sidelined as he heals from the physical toll of his high-profile meeting with Gaethje. Meanwhile, Makhachev’s immediate focus is squarely locked on his upcoming championship defense against Garry at UFC 330, leaving fans to debate whether the matchup will transition from speculation to reality.
