Fans of mixed martial arts are still eager to see the highly anticipated fight between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev, a matchup that has yet to materialize inside the UFC octagon. This potential lightweight battle has gained attention due to both fighters’ dominant performances and current status, building buzz around when and if this matchup will take place.
Throughout 2025, UFC followers have witnessed missed opportunities for major bouts, including the heavyweight title unification clash between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. Although UFC President Dana White expressed intentions to deliver these marquee fights, plans shifted and several anticipated showdowns were shelved. The Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev fight was among these, but fans and insiders alike remain hopeful it will finally happen.
The Impact of Title Changes and UFC 317 on This Potential Clash
Islam Makhachev, aiming to become a dual-division UFC champion, recently relinquished the lightweight belt after his close friend and fellow fighter Belal Muhammad lost the welterweight title to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. This loss indirectly influenced the timing of the Topuria vs Makhachev fight, which might have taken place at UFC 317 in June if Muhammad had successfully defended his title.
Although both fighters could pursue different paths that prevent the fight from occurring, there is pressure within the UFC community to avoid missing out on such a defining matchup. This sentiment reflects the stakes and excitement surrounding Topuria versus Makhachev.
Al Iaquinta Urges UFC to Make Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev Fight a Reality
A notable voice advocating for the Topuria and Makhachev fight is former UFC lightweight contender Al Iaquinta. Drawing a comparison to another anticipated fight that never reached fruition, Tony Ferguson versus Khabib Nurmagomedov, Iaquinta emphasizes that the UFC must not let history repeat itself.
Ferguson and Nurmagomedov were scheduled to fight five times but, due to various circumstances culminating with Nurmagomedov’s withdrawal from UFC 249 amid COVID-19 restrictions, the bout was never realized. This fight is often described as one of the greatest never-held matchups in UFC history.
By contrast, Topuria and Makhachev currently hold a combined 31-fight win streak and occupy the top two spots in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings, making their potential clash highly significant.
They gotta make that fight with Islam, right?
—Al Iaquinta, former UFC lightweight contender
That’s the modern day Tony Ferguson versus Khabib,
Iaquinta stated, referring to the elusive nature of this matchup.
Iaquinta explained the unpredictability and excitement this fight could generate, stating it is difficult to even imagine the outcome of a confrontation between these two elite fighters. He highlighted the multiple variables each competitor brings to the octagon.
Islam’s got the wrestling, but they’re saying Ilia’s got the wrestling too. He doesn’t really use it much, but when you’re seeing him training, it looks like he’s got it. Ilia’s stand-up is crazy. He’s got that knockout power.
—Al Iaquinta, former UFC lightweight contender
The former contender praised Topuria’s striking ability, noting his impressive knockout record:
“He’s knocking everybody out… The guys that don’t get knocked out, he’s knocking out.”
Iaquinta expressed a strong desire to witness this matchup happen.
That’s a crazy fight. They got to make that. I have to see that fight,
he added.
Comparing Ilia Topuria to Conor McGregor: A New Generation’s Star
Al Iaquinta has also drawn parallels between Ilia Topuria and one of MMA’s biggest stars, Conor McGregor. Both fighters achieved success early in their careers within the featherweight division and moved up to lightweight to capture titles. Unlike McGregor, Topuria defended his featherweight belt against a prominent opponent, Max Holloway, before winning the lightweight title with a knockout at UFC 317.
Iaquinta respects Topuria’s abilities and character, describing him as a complete package who combines talent with professionalism and leadership qualities.
I think he’s like Conor 2.0,
Iaquinta said.
He elaborated on this comparison, highlighting how Topuria improves on McGregor’s blueprint while maintaining his unique style and approach.
But Conor was one of a kind—but [Topuria] definitely is, he’s doing it in his own way. He’s doing it his own way, but he’s taking a lot from the Conor book,
Iaquinta explained.
Topuria’s ascension as a two-division champion at a similar age to McGregor’s achievement reflects his rapid rise and the growing excitement around his career trajectory. This, combined with Makhachev’s wrestling dominance, sets the stage for a heavyweight encounter in the lightweight division.
The Stakes and What’s Next for This Potential UFC Showdown
The Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev fight represents more than just a championship bout; it embodies a clash between two of the sport’s hottest young stars, both capable of maintaining lengthy championship reigns. As the top contenders in the lightweight division, their encounter could define the division’s future and possibly alter the UFC pound-for-pound hierarchy.
Securing this matchup would satisfy the long-standing demand from fans and insiders who want to avoid missed opportunities like those seen with other high-profile fights. Should the UFC book this bout, it would immediately become one of the most anticipated events in the sport’s calendar.
Given their undefeated trajectories and complementary skill sets, the fight has the potential to be a classic, blending technical wrestling, knockout striking, and fierce competition. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the UFC can deliver this promising fight in the near future.