Ilia Topuria has presented an ambitious plan for a possible fight with Islam Makhachev, envisioning ways to make the contest more significant than a typical matchup. The UFC lightweight champion stated that he would prefer to face Makhachev at welterweight, aiming for a third UFC title and a historic achievement in the sport. Moving up to 170 pounds, Topuria believes, would offer the greatest opportunity both competitively and in terms of legacy if the fight takes place this year.
As an alternative approach, Topuria proposed a catchweight bout somewhere between 155 and 170 pounds, accompanied by the introduction of a new pound-for-pound championship belt. He argued that, since Makhachev and he are currently the top two fighters in the rankings, the winner should be formally recognized as the best overall UFC fighter.
During a recent livestream with Adin Ross, Topuria explained his vision:
“The perfect scenario for me would be fighting him in the welterweight division because that way I’m going to be able to collect my third belt. But also [it] will be a greatest scenario for me to fight between 155 and 170 and to create a new belt. Why not call it pound-for-pound because he’s the number one. I’m the number two right now. For me, myself, I’m the number one. But yeah, you put two of the best guys in the world. You put the pound-for-pound belt in the middle. Whoever wins is the best.”
This proposal highlights Topuria’s determination to capture not only a third divisional title but also to claim a new status atop the UFC rankings.
Makhachev’s Response and Current Priorities
Islam Makhachev, who freed himself from the lightweight division to seize the welterweight title, has expressed a focused mindset on defending his current championship at 170 pounds. He has shown no indication of dropping back down to lightweight to face a challenger moving upward. Despite ongoing talks, the matchup’s feasibility remains tied to scheduling and other divisional commitments.
Makhachev Denies UFC White House Bout Against Topuria
Islam Makhachev recently ruled out the possibility of a superfight against Ilia Topuria taking place at the planned UFC White House event. The welterweight champion noted that the promotion is not prioritizing this face-off at the moment, adding that Topuria already has other opponents arranged. Makhachev won the 170-pound title convincingly against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, after vacating his lightweight belt.
“Yes, I think it definitely won’t be at the White House because he already has opponents lined up and the UFC isn’t interested in that fight right now.”
This was stated in an interview with Ushatayka, underscoring Makhachev’s current stance on the bout.
Upcoming Fights and Future Possibilities
Following this, Ilia Topuria is most likely to face Justin Gaethje, the interim lightweight champion, who recently secured his title after defeating Paddy Pimblett. The buildup to this fight remains strong, and the outcome will likely influence future matchmaking decisions.
The discussions surrounding an Ilia Topuria Makhachev fight, whether at welterweight, lightweight, or catchweight, continue to engage fans and analysts alike. Should the two top-ranked fighters eventually meet, it could redefine UFC’s championship landscape and elevate the winner’s legacy to unparalleled heights.
