Islam Makhachev is set to face Ilia Topuria in his initially planned title defense, foregoing a fight against former champion Kamaru Usman. This decision comes three months after Makhachev secured the UFC welterweight title, signaling a shift in his defense strategy that focuses on a high-profile matchup rather than revisiting the Usman rivalry.
Makhachev earned the welterweight championship by defeating Jack Della Maddalena via unanimous decision at UFC 322. Since then, contenders like Michael Morales and Ian Machado Garry have positioned themselves for the next title shot. Despite this competition, Makhachev has expressed a clear preference for a showdown with the UFC lightweight champion Topuria as his initial defense bout.
Makhachev Expresses Openness to Headline White House Event
In a conversation with Telegraf, Makhachev was asked about defending his welterweight title against Ilia Topuria. Responding positively, he said,
If the UFC wants [this fight], I know a lot of MMA fans want this fight, I’m ready.
Makhachev is preparing himself for the opportunity to headline the upcoming White House event following Ramadan, showing readiness for the challenge.
He added,
One of the arenas where maybe I’m going to fight next,
highlighting his openness to various venues. Regarding his preparation, Makhachev explained,
We have the Ramadan month, I’m not going to train for one month. After that, I will slowly begin my training camp, and I will be ready. White House [or] other dates, I will be ready.
Upcoming Lightweight Championship and Implications for Title Defense
The prospect of a fight with Topuria faces a delay because Justin Gaethje recently won the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 and is expected to confront Topuria later this year to unify the championship. This development places Makhachev’s defense plans into a broader context of high-stakes matchups within the UFC’s lightweight division.
As Makhachev prioritizes the Topuria fight over Usman, the choice reflects a strategic move toward a significant bout that appeals to both the UFC and its audience. This approach could shape the upcoming fight card dynamics and fan anticipation for the welterweight title scene.
