Islam Makhachev and his team have made a strong call for a highly anticipated Ilia Topuria UFC super fight as they prepare for a potential welterweight debut later this year. Following recent UFC 322 rumors and developments in both fighters’ careers, Makhachev’s camp sees a clash with Topuria as the most compelling matchup in the lightweight and welterweight divisions.

Former longtime lightweight champion Islam Makhachev previously underestimated Ilia Topuria as a top contender, but Topuria’s recent rise, including winning the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 and defeating Charles Oliveira, has shifted perceptions. Meanwhile, Makhachev is planning to step into the welterweight class, setting up a rare champion versus champion showdown if each fighter wins their respective belts.

Islam Makhachev’s Move to Welterweight and the Possibility of a Champion vs. Champion Fight

Known as a dependable pay-per-view attraction, especially during UFC’s marquee Abu Dhabi cards in October, Islam Makhachev was expected to fight on that event, potentially defending welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena’s title. However, the Perth card was downgraded, and Makhachev’s return is now rumored for a yet unconfirmed pay-per-view at Madison Square Garden, potentially UFC 322 in November.

Makhachev’s potential success at 170 pounds could lead to a blockbuster fight with Ilia Topuria, a bout that head coach Javier Mendez enthusiastically describes as carrying immense significance.

It’s the number one fight…It is! The other one was Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall, but right now, if Islam wins…the fight to make is Topuria vs. Islam. I like, I like… what [Ilia] he been doing right now, He’s doing a good job at getting people to want to watch the fight. The more Ilia does, the more people want to see this fight…The first thing Islam wanted was a legacy fight, he wanted the welterweight title. Now if we win the welterweight title, we can go down or he can come up. That’s what I say, but it’s not happening if the UFC doesn’t like it. But we need to win first. —Javier Mendez, Head Coach

This statement highlights the urgency and excitement within Makhachev’s camp to secure this super fight with Topuria, emphasizing that the bout is not only a fan favorite but a defining moment for both fighters’ legacies.

Ilia Topuria’s Rise and UFC’s Hesitation on ‘Champ Champ’ Scenarios

UFC executives have reportedly imposed restrictions on champion versus champion matchups, which could potentially delay or block a super fight involving Topuria and Makhachev. Despite this, Topuria continues to build momentum as an undefeated dual-division champion, boasting a 17-0 record and becoming an emerging icon in Spain’s combat sports scene.

Topuria’s rise has been marked by his success across two weight classes and his commanding win to capture the lightweight title. He stands as one of the few fighters positioned to headline pay-per-view events in Spain, tapping into a niche market with a growing fanbase. His achievements have significantly reshaped UFC’s lightweight division dynamics.

Makhachev’s Team Now Presses for the Showtime Wound to Be Settled in the Octagon

Initially, Islam Makhachev’s camp expected Ilia Topuria to earn more statement wins before being considered a legitimate threat to the championship, especially as Topuria transitioned from featherweight to lightweight. However, Topuria decisively silenced doubts with a knockout at UFC 317 and subsequently captured the lightweight belt.

The Spaniard himself has publicly expressed interest in a pound-for-pound battle against Makhachev despite doubts over the feasibility of champion versus champion fights, a scenario complicated by UFC’s current stance.

If Makhachev can secure the welterweight title at UFC 322, particularly in front of the New York crowd at Madison Square Garden, it could reignite the possibility of their long-awaited collision. Depending on the outcome, Makhachev may even surpass Topuria in the men’s pound-for-pound rankings, intensifying the stakes for both fighters.

However, Topuria also faces pressure to fulfill his promise of defending the lightweight gold rather than allowing the division to stagnate while chasing Makhachev’s new welterweight ambitions.

Title Contender Arman Tsarukyan Casts Doubt on His Chances Against Topuria, While Paddy Pimblett Emerges as Top Rival

Arman Tsarukyan, currently ranked number two in the lightweight division, has voiced skepticism about securing a title shot against Ilia Topuria anytime soon. His history includes a back injury that forced him out of a UFC 311 title challenge against Makhachev, weakening his standing in the eyes of contenders and fans alike.

Tsarukyan believes he is unlikely to receive a chance at Topuria unless significant changes occur and has publicly claimed a 70 percent chance he will fight the champion next, a statement that has ignited tension with other fighters.

I’m number one in the rankings but the UFC can do whatever they want, whatever…Even if I won’t get a title shot next…if I keep winning they won’t have a choice but to give me one — I think there is a 70 percent chance I’ll fight Topuria next. They don’t [haven’t] even offer me anyone else. —Arman Tsarukyan, UFC Lightweight Contender

Arman Tsarukyan’s remarks highlight his confidence in climbing to a title shot, though UFC management has yet to act accordingly. His call-out has sparked verbal reprisals, including criticisms likening him to a coward, reflecting deep competition within the lightweight ranks.

Meanwhile, Paddy Pimblett has rapidly ascended in popularity and title contention following a tense and fiery confrontation with Topuria during the UFC 317 post-fight interview. Pimblett, known for a strong British fan base and notable pay-per-view appeal, remains a key figure in lightweight title talks. His long-standing rivalry and history with Topuria fuel anticipation for a potential future matchup.

Despite this, Team American Top Team (ATT) asserts that Pimblett is the most likely challenger to face Topuria for his lightweight gold, either as a first defense or a significant test, underscoring the competitiveness of the division.

UFC’s Cautious Approach to Potential Matchups Creates Uncertainty Around Future Title Fights

Following the UFC 317 events, Tsarukyan aimed to be a backup contender for the UFC 318 title fight, which marked Dustin Poirier’s retirement bout, hoping to remain in title contention. UFC president Dana White acknowledged Tsarukyan’s perseverance but indicated that backup roles would not automatically guarantee a title shot.

This cautious approach by UFC executives toward champion versus champion fights and title matchups amidst evolving contender statuses contributes to an uncertain landscape for fighters like Makhachev, Topuria, Tsarukyan, and Pimblett, each vying for their place at the top of the lightweight and welterweight divisions.

Implications and What to Expect Next in the Lightweight and Welterweight Divisions

The looming prospect of a Topuria versus Makhachev super fight embodies both opportunity and uncertainty for the UFC, fans, and fighters alike. Should Makhachev claim the welterweight crown and Topuria continue defending his lightweight belt, the UFC faces a marquee championship clash that could redefine the current divisional hierarchies.

This possible matchup would not only command substantial pay-per-view attention but also carry immense career implications for both men as they seek to cement their legacies. However, UFC’s ongoing restrictions on ‘champ champ‘ scenarios leave fans and fighters cautiously optimistic but ultimately uncertain about when or if this highly anticipated fight will materialize.

For now, the best outcomes in upcoming UFC 322 fights will likely dictate the direction of negotiations and scheduling, with both camps emphasizing the need to secure wins before the super fight can be officially confirmed. The next few months will be critical in shaping the path to this high-stakes showdown, keeping the MMA community on edge.