Ilia Topuria, the UFC Lightweight Champion, desires to face Islam Makhachev, the former lightweight king. He wants the fight to take place during the major UFC event that is supposed to be taking place at the White House. Even though the event and the fights taking place on it are still speculative, Topuria’s public challenge has caused a lot of hype in the MMA community.
Ilia Topuria’s Vision for UFC History
Topuria, who vacated his UFC Featherweight championship to move up to lightweight, is now undefeated and the 155-pound champion after an excellent performance at UFC 317. Topuria told Giorgi Kokiashvili in an interview that he has big plans: he wants to not only defend his current belt, but also go after a third championship in a higher class, which no other UFC fighter has done.
“I want to fight Islam Makhachev in the White House.” It would be one of the biggest battles in UFC history. “Nobody has ever fought for a third belt,” Topuria said. The UFC hasn’t confirmed any fights officially at the White House yet, but Topuria is certainly preparing for a chance that might define his legacy.
Islam Makhachev: The Ideal Opponent?
Topuria considers Islam to be the perfect opponent to make history. Makhachev, who held the UFC lightweight title has now moved up to welterweight after vacating his belt and is now officially set to fight against Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC Welterweight Title at UFC 322, set to take place on November 16th 2025. Topuria believes that if Makhachev successfully transitions to a new weight class, it would set the stage for a monumental clash. “If Islam loses, he may as well go back to Dagestan,” Topuria said, adding, “But if he wins, I’ll definitely move up. Definitely. 100 percent.”
What This Means for the UFC Landscape
If Topuria and Makhachev fight, it might change the narratives about the title chase and the goals of fighters in different divisions. Topuria wants to win a third belt, while Makhachev is moving up to welterweight. This makes things very exciting for both fighters. Putting on such a show would help the UFC’s brand and reach around the world.
In short, Ilia Topuria is not only calling out an opponent. He plans to set up something that will capture the attention of the public, push the limits of division-hopping title hunts, and offer the promotion a big event with historical meaning. It’s not clear if Makhachev is going to respond or if the fight will be discussed, but one thing is clear: Topuria is ready to make history.
UFC At the White House
The UFC’s White House event is already generating massive buzz, with Conor McGregor demanding an eye-watering $100 million payday to headline the historic fight card. Meanwhile, speculation grows around Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev facing off in a potential title showdown. Topuria aims to become the first three-division UFC champion, while Makhachev transitions to welterweight, making the UFC White House event the ideal stage for this blockbuster clash.
