UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev recently offered a detailed comparison of the fighting skills between rising featherweight star Ilia Topuria and former two-division champion Conor McGregor.
While acknowledging both fighters` striking prowess, Makhachev suggested that their core strengths lie in different areas. Makhachev opined that when considering raw offense, Topuria might possess superior overall attacking power. However, he reserved his highest praise for McGregor’s technical ability as a counter-striker.
Makhachev, who himself fights from the southpaw stance, highlighted McGregor`s excellent timing and technical execution, noting that the Irishman’s specific skillset was on a different level:
“In terms of skills… I don`t know how to put it. I think, if we`re talking about attacking power, maybe Topuria has more. But as a counterpuncher, I suppose McGregor was better. And the way he waited for his timing. I`m a southpaw myself, and he`s a southpaw. The way he countered with his left hand, slipping, I think it was on another level.”
