Laura Sanko’s analysis of a hypothetical Khabib vs. Topuria fight is both fair and thought-provoking. It reminds fans that even dream fights have layers of complexity
While there’s no clear-cut answer to who would win, the discussion itself celebrates what makes MMA so compelling—contrasting styles, elite athleticism, and the constant evolution of technique.
Whether you side with Khabib’s relentless grappling or Topuria’s lethal striking, one thing is clear: this fantasy fight will live on in debates, forums, and discussions for years to come.
And thanks to Sanko’s expert insight, fans now have more angles to consider when imagining what could have been one of the greatest fights in UFC history.
Laura Sanko’s comments reflect the fantasy matchmaker in all of us. Even if the fight doesn’t align with rankings or meritocracy, the entertainment value is undeniable.
McGregor has defied expectations time and again, and Topuria’s stock is soaring. With the right timing, the right venue, and the right payday, the UFC might just find a way to make this “bananas” idea a reality.
Until then, fans will continue to dream—and analysts like Sanko will keep those dreams alive.
Also Read: UFC Insider Laura Sanko Breaks Silence on Kansas City Controversy
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Laura Sanko Analyzes a Dream Matchup
The idea of fantasy matchups in MMA always sparks debates and ignites imaginations.1
One of the most talked-about hypothetical bouts in recent months is a potential clash between the undefeated wrestling phenom Khabib Nurmagomedov and the newly crowned two-division UFC champion, Ilia Topuria.
While such a fight will never materialize due to Khabib’s retirement, UFC analyst and broadcaster Laura Sanko has added intriguing insights into how such a showdown might play out.
In an appearance on Submission Radio, Sanko gave her thoughts on Topuria’s strengths, Khabib’s game plan, and what factors would truly determine the outcome.
I don’t know who needs to hear this coming into fight week but, Kansas City (at least the one you’re talking about) is NOT in Kansas. Repeat…the UFC is not going to Kansas. Not even a little. Admittedly confusing…but we Missouri locals get unreasonably touchy about it 😂.…
— Laura Sanko (@laura_sanko) April 22, 2025
Ilia Topuria’s Meteoric Rise to Greatness
Ilia Topuria has rapidly climbed the ranks of the UFC to become one of its most fearsome competitors. His first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 shocked fans and analysts alike.
Not only did he win the lightweight title, but he also became a rare two-division champion, catapulting his name into the pantheon of modern MMA elites.
With elite striking, crisp footwork, and knockout power in both hands, Topuria has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous men in the Octagon.
His recent dominance has drawn comparisons to legendary fighters like Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov. But how would he actually fare against the Dagestani icon?
Khabib Nurmagomedov: The Benchmark of Lightweight Dominance
Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from MMA with a perfect record of 29-0. His grappling-based style overwhelmed every opponent he faced, including world champions like Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje.
His suffocating pressure, unmatched ground control, and relentless pursuit of takedowns made him a nightmare matchup for anyone.
While Khabib was never known for flashy knockouts, his effectiveness in executing his game plan made him nearly invincible. So naturally, when a fighter like Topuria begins to dominate the lightweight division, comparisons to Khabib are inevitable.
Laura Sanko Weighs In: Styles Make Fights
In her recent interview, Laura Sanko made a key point—styles make fights, and this hypothetical bout would be a stylistic contrast of epic proportions.2
“Ilia’s boxing is far too dangerous,” Sanko noted, acknowledging Topuria’s clean, technical, and powerful striking.
Sanko suggested that Khabib would struggle if forced to engage Topuria in prolonged stand-up exchanges. “The only pathway for Khabib to beat someone like Ilia… would of course be on the ground,” she stated.
This opinion underscores a major question: would Khabib be able to impose his grappling against someone as explosive and well-rounded as Topuria?
The Ground Game Mystery: Topuria’s Untested Terrain
One of the major points raised by Sanko is the relative unknown that is Topuria’s ground game at the elite level. While Topuria is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he hasn’t been tested by a grappler of Khabib’s caliber.
“I think we’ve yet to see Ilia’s ground game be tested against the elite of the elite,” Sanko emphasized. That statement strikes at the heart of the debate.
Against elite strikers like Josh Emmett and Charles Oliveira, Topuria has looked phenomenal. But what happens when he’s trapped beneath someone like Khabib, who thrives on top control and mauls opponents for entire rounds?
Could Khabib Be Caught?
One of the more compelling remarks from Sanko was her observation about Khabib potentially getting caught during a takedown attempt. “I can also see Khabib shooting from an ill-advised distance and getting knocked out,” she said.
This is not an outlandish prediction. Khabib’s takedown entries, while effective, were not always the cleanest.
Against someone with quick reflexes, timing, and finishing power like Topuria, one mistimed level change could lead to disaster. Topuria’s counterstriking could serve as a serious threat, especially if Khabib becomes predictable in his approach.
Laura Sanko: Wrestling vs. Striking
A Tactical Chess Match
If this fantasy matchup ever took place, it would be a classic wrestler-versus-striker clash. Khabib would seek to close the distance, push Topuria against the cage, and grind him down.3
Topuria, meanwhile, would attempt to keep the fight standing, using lateral movement, feints, and vicious counters to catch Khabib coming in.
Sanko’s breakdown highlights the razor-thin margin for error in such fights. If Khabib succeeds early with his takedowns, Topuria may not get a chance to unleash his offense.
But if Ilia manages to stuff a few attempts or clip Khabib on the way in, the fight could end quickly.
Prime Khabib vs. Prime Topuria: Timing Is Everything
Another important variable in this discussion is timing. The hypothetical assumes both fighters are in their prime. Prime Khabib, circa 2018–2020, was virtually unstoppable.
His cardio, strength, and focus were unmatched. On the other hand, Topuria appears to be entering his prime now, in 2025, with a terrifying mix of power and composure.
Sanko rightly refrained from giving a definitive prediction, noting that this hypothetical has too many variables.
However, her insight makes it clear that a fight between these two would be competitive and potentially historic.
The Legacy Angle: Comparing Accomplishments
While matchups are one thing, legacy is another. Khabib left the sport undefeated, which in MMA is almost unheard of.
He beat three top-five lightweights back-to-back before retiring. His grappling changed the way fighters approached preparation.
Topuria, by contrast, is still building his resume. While his win over Oliveira was spectacular, he hasn’t yet faced the same depth of competition that Khabib did during his reign. Still, his ability to dominate world-class opponents across two weight classes adds weight to the comparison.
Public Opinion: The Fans Are Split
- Among fans, opinions are divided. Some believe Khabib’s ground dominance would be too much for anyone, including Topuria.
- Others argue that Khabib never faced someone with Topuria’s blend of speed, accuracy, and fight IQ.
- Sanko’s balanced perspective echoes this divide. She sees the danger Khabib would be in if he can’t secure takedowns. At the same time, she knows how suffocating Khabib can be when he’s on top.
- In a sense, Topuria represents the evolution of MMA. Fighters today are expected to be dangerous in all areas—striking, grappling, clinch, and transitions.
- While Khabib was dominant with one main tool, Topuria’s game is more well-rounded. Whether that’s better or not is subjective, but it does show the shift in modern MMA dynamics.
- Topuria could be the benchmark for the next generation, much like Khabib was for the previous one.
- Sanko’s observation that we “don’t know enough” about Topuria’s ground game is also a challenge to him: if he wants to be compared favorably to Khabib, he’ll need to prove he can survive and thrive on the ground against top-tier grapplers.
Also Read: Laura Sanko Explains UFC’s Grounded Opponent Rule and Potential Changes and Promotion
Laura Sanko: Voice of Reason and Imagination
Laura Sanko has become a respected presence in the MMA world, known for her analytical insights and grounded takes.
But when the idea of Topuria fighting McGregor was floated, she didn’t shy away from entertaining the possibility—even if she admitted it wasn’t the most likely scenario.
“Do I think it’s likely? You know, based on where Conor’s focus seems to be, obviously not,” Sanko said. “But if we’re going to sit here and pretend that Ilia’s going to fight Khabib, then why can’t we sit here and pretend that Ilia could fight Conor?”
Her point is clear: if fans and pundits are willing to speculate about long-shot fights involving inactive or retired stars, then a McGregor vs. Topuria fantasy isn’t completely off the table.
The Allure of a Stadium Fight in Spain
What really fueled Sanko’s excitement was the idea of the bout taking place in Topuria’s adopted homeland of Spain.
“Can you imagine a stadium in Spain where Ilia Topuria is facing Conor McGregor? That would be bananas.”
Indeed, it would be a spectacle unlike anything the UFC has seen. While the promotion has held events in Europe before, a stadium showdown featuring McGregor in Spain would mark new territory. It could be the UFC’s version of a global mega-event, bringing in fans from across the world and tapping into Topuria’s massive Spanish and Georgian fan base.
Laura Sanko: Clash of Eras and Ideologies
If this fight were to happen, it would be more than just a sporting event—it would be a cultural clash.
McGregor represents the brash, flamboyant superstar era of the UFC, while Topuria is the new breed: grounded, disciplined, and laser-focused on legacy.
Topuria has earned a reputation as a cold, clinical finisher with knockout power and elite grappling. His unbeaten record and recent title win have catapulted him into stardom.
McGregor, by contrast, hasn’t fought since his leg injury in 2021 and has become known more for his extracurricular activities than his fight performances.
The contrast between the two could be marketed brilliantly: the modern champion vs. the fallen king trying to reclaim past glory.
Could the UFC Make It Happen?
From a promotional standpoint, UFC president Dana White has never been one to turn down a blockbuster.
McGregor remains the company’s biggest draw, and any potential return for him would be accompanied by tremendous fanfare.
Topuria, meanwhile, is rapidly becoming one of the UFC’s biggest stars in Europe. If the UFC wanted to make its mark in Spain or host its first-ever stadium event there, matching McGregor with Topuria would be a dream come true for the business.
The logistics, however, remain tricky:
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McGregor hasn’t fought in years and is unlikely to return to featherweight.
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Topuria has title defenses waiting for him in the 145-pound division.
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Both fighters may disagree on financial and contractual terms.
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Would Fans Buy Into It?
Despite the doubts, there’s little question that fans would tune in. The names alone carry massive intrigue. McGregor fights have always been must-watch events, regardless of form, and Topuria’s rise has been meteoric.
Fan reactions would likely be split between those excited to see McGregor back in action and purists who believe Topuria should defend his title against top contenders like Max Holloway or Movsar Evloev.
Still, the UFC often opts for spectacle over rankings. If there’s money to be made, don’t count anything out.
The “Bananas” Factor: Why This Fight Would Be a Global Event
Sanko’s use of the word “bananas” isn’t hyperbole. A Topuria-McGregor fight could be one of the biggest UFC events ever staged outside the U.S.
Picture a summer event in Madrid or Barcelona, with tens of thousands of fans in a soccer stadium, and the UFC tapping into an entirely new market.
It would mark a milestone in the UFC’s global expansion and could become the European equivalent of UFC 229 or UFC 205.
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