Coach Jorge Climent needs Ilia Topuria to problem Islam Makhachev for UFC light-weight title

Ilia Topuria and his staff have had one of many best years in MMA historical past. That doesn’t imply they’re finished chasing glory.

Following a powerful title protection at Saturday’s UFC 308 the place Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) turned the first person to knockout Max Holloway, his head coach Jorge Climent needs him to take one other leap in his preventing profession.

For Climent, this implies going up a weight class and difficult UFC light-weight champion Islam Makhachev, who’s thought-about by many because the pound-for-pound finest.

“The struggle that I believe would put Ilia on the very prime with none dialogue that he’s the most effective fighter on this planet could be towards Islam Makhachev,” Climent told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “The struggle is towards Islam as a result of at this second he’s a defending champion. I do know Ilia has solely defended his belt as soon as and that may make it troublesome to get the chance, except you’re a Conor (McGregor). So I do suppose they’re going to present it to (Alexander) Volkanovski (subsequent).”

Climent sees Volkanovski as the following possible possibility for his pupil. However given the results of their first assembly again in February, he doesn’t see the previous champ as the largest problem for Topuria.

Climent undoubtedly sees Makhachev as thee hardest check, however nonetheless with a transparent path to victory.

“It’s our hardest struggle,” Climent stated. “Nevertheless, after seeing how a lot success Volkanovski had towards him the primary struggle, in fact (we) see a possibility. That is the hardest struggle, definitely, however I prefer it.”

Many notable fighters referred to as out Topuria following his historic title protection towards Holloway, a sign to Climent that Topuria is shortly changing into probably the most necessary names within the sport.

“Paddy ‘The P*ssy’ made some feedback. Dustin Poirier referred to as him out. Which means Ilia is doing massive issues as a result of that solely occurs whenever you’re really doing massive issues,” Climent stated. “Everybody that desires a highlight is looking him out, Conor and others. I nonetheless suppose the most effective struggle is towards (Makhachev) and the largest cash struggle is towards Conor, which I see a bit unlikely.”

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