The competitive tension between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria has developed into one of the most compelling storylines in the UFC and modern MMA. Initially, Topuria, the undefeated featherweight champion, targeted Makhachev’s lightweight title. However, when Makhachev vacated his 155-pound belt, it altered the futures within two divisions and shifted UFC’s landscape significantly. Topuria criticized Makhachev for this move, labeling him a hypocrite, while Makhachev prioritized a chance to pursue a welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena rather than face Topuria in a superfight.
Ilia Topuria’s Breakthrough at UFC 317
With Makhachev stepping away from the lightweight crown, Topuria was matched against former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 for the vacant lightweight title. Topuria secured a decisive knockout victory, becoming a two-division champion and cementing his place in UFC history.
Makhachev’s Changing Stance on the Superfight
Though a welterweight title fight remains Makhachev’s immediate focus, the former lightweight champion has notably shifted his perspective about facing Topuria. During a recent Eagle FC press conference, Makhachev openly expressed interest in the long-anticipated clash that fans have eagerly awaited. When questioned about the weight class for his next fight, he said,
“I can’t say for sure. There’s some intrigue with Topuria. I myself am also interested in that fight. Maybe it will be possible to make some kind of super fight.”
—Islam Makhachev, Former Lightweight Champion
Fan Reactions and Makhachev’s Responses
This confirmation is the first time Makhachev has explicitly shown personal enthusiasm for a bout with Topuria, having previously implied the UFC was pushing the fight after shifting rankings. During the event, a fan urged Makhachev to return to lightweight to
“destroy Topuria so he can finally shut up and not say anything about fighters from Dagestan.”
Makhachev’s brief reply was a simple, “As you wish!”—a response filled with both humor and challenge.
Weight Cut Challenges and Future Plans
Despite his interest, Makhachev expressed some hesitation related to the physical changes his body has undergone since moving up to welterweight. He mentioned,
“If after the fight I go up to 85 or 86 [kilos], then I’m not sure. Cutting down [to lightweight] was never easy, so we’ll have to sit down with the team and figure out what the next move is.”
—Islam Makhachev, Former Lightweight Champion
Topuria understands these difficulties well, having dealt with challenging weight cuts himself. After winning the lightweight title, the Spaniard acknowledged in an interview with Ariel Helwani that the strain of making weight could justify Makhachev’s move to welterweight. Topuria has also hinted at a possible shift to welterweight, which could remove one major obstacle for the superfight by eliminating the need for Makhachev to cut back down.
UFC’s Vision for a Champion vs. Champion Showdown
UFC president Dana White has voiced support for staging a title-versus-title fight, stating,
“If Islam wins [against Della Maddalena] that’s the fight to make.”
The realization of this superfight depends on several variables, including Makhachev’s outcome against Jack Della Maddalena, his ability to safely return to lightweight, and whether Topuria will move up in weight. Both athletes’ willingness to navigate these challenges will determine the possibility of their anticipated encounter.
What’s Next for Makhachev and Topuria
Makhachev’s candid admission signals growing openness to a match that has ignited rivalry and speculation for months. With two of the most dominant champions poised, and despite the complexities around weight classes, the UFC may soon witness a showdown that captures the sport’s attention. The path forward hinges on upcoming fights and strategic decisions by both fighters and their teams.