A fight that fans have eagerly anticipated since 2025 may still be scheduled despite previous delays. Dana White has yet to officially confirm whether Ilia Topuria will face the winner of the UFC 324 main event when returning to the Octagon. The lightweight champion announced in November he would not compete in the near future due to personal matters, leaving the path forward uncertain. Meanwhile, Justin Gaethje hopes Topuria will vacate the title before his upcoming interim championship match against Paddy Pimblett on January 24. Although a unification bout appears logical for Topuria in 2026, supporters also continue to call for a showdown with Islam Makhachev.
Insights from Merab Dvalishvili Suggest Fight Could Happen Earlier
Ilia Topuria has repeatedly expressed interest in facing Islam Makhachev, despite not yet defending the lightweight title he claimed at UFC 317 last year. Topuria earned the belt by defeating Charles Oliveira after Makhachev relinquished it to compete at welterweight. Oliveira recently commented on the possibility of a Makhachev versus Topuria fight, which remains important to ‘El Matador’ even if it requires moving up a weight class. Fellow Georgian and UFC fighter Merab Dvalishvili, who knows Makhachev well and spent time training with him, hinted at insider knowledge about Topuria’s plans.
I know some details from Ilia,
Dvalishvili said when asked if the fight is imminent.
It might happen sooner than we imagine.
– Merab Dvalishvili, UFC Fighter
Islam Makhachev’s Position on Facing Ilia Topuria
In a recent discussion with MatchTV reported by Championship Rounds, Islam Makhachev expressed his stance on a match with Topuria. The welterweight champion is open to Topuria moving up in weight to challenge him but made it clear that he has no intention of returning to lightweight.
He [Topuria] can [move up] because he has nothing to lose by moving up,
Makhachev remarked.
If he loses, he goes back down to lightweight and that’s it. He’ll defend his belt there… I’ve already been the lightweight champion, and I’m definitely not going back down.
– Islam Makhachev, UFC Welterweight Champion
The Russian also stated that Topuria still needs to prove himself at lightweight and has significant work ahead at 155 pounds before solidifying his status.
Upcoming Lightweight Interim Championship and Implications
The interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett scheduled for January 24 will determine who holds the interim belt while the undisputed champion remains inactive. Gaethje has expressed hopes that Topuria will relinquish the current lightweight belt before this match, potentially clearing the way for a unification fight later on. The results of this interim bout could influence how soon a Makhachev vs Topuria contest takes place, either preserving or delaying Topuria’s ambition to face Makhachev at welterweight.
The Significance of a Makhachev vs Topuria Showdown
A fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria carries notable weight within the UFC landscape, representing a crossroads for both fighters’ careers. For Makhachev, it would cement his position as a dominant welterweight, while giving Topuria a chance to prove himself in a higher division. Given the current uncertainty about Topuria’s title defenses and Makhachev’s recent weight class switch, their eventual meeting could redefine the lightweight and welterweight divisions. Fans and insiders alike are watching closely, as it may happen sooner than expected, adding tension and excitement to upcoming UFC events.
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