TLDR
- Dana White confirmed Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria could happen, with both fighters interested in the matchup
- Makhachev fights Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322 this weekend
- The fight would take place at welterweight, as Makhachev refuses to cut back to 155 pounds
- Topuria, the current lightweight champion, has no scheduled fights and is open to moving up to welterweight
- Makhachev ranked four fighters ahead of Topuria on his personal pound-for-pound list, including Alexandre Pantoja, Tom Aspinall, and Alexander Volkanovski
UFC president Dana White has opened the door for a superfight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. The matchup has generated buzz among MMA fans for months. White addressed the potential bout during a recent interview with Nick Turturro.
“Yeah, that could happen too,” White said. “I think everyone wants to see that fight.” White confirmed both fighters have expressed interest in facing each other. No date or event has been announced for the potential matchup.
Islam Makhachev is the former UFC lightweight champion who dominated that division. He challenges Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322 this weekend. Makhachev aims to become a two-division champion with a win.
Dana White on Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev:
“If Islam wins the title, you immediately have a super fight with him and Ilia.” 👀
🎥 @fullsendpodcast #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/UOGGbaqNGg
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 10, 2025
Ilia Topuria became the lightweight champion after knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 earlier this year. He currently holds the lightweight belt but has no scheduled fights. Topuria has won titles at both featherweight and lightweight.
Weight Class Negotiations
The fight would need to take place at welterweight according to Makhachev’s requirements. He made clear he will not return to the lightweight division. “I’m not interested in cutting weight to 155 pounds and torturing myself again,” Makhachev said. “I’m interested in fighting at 170.”
Topuria has already expressed willingness to move up in weight. “If Islam becomes the world welterweight champion, for sure I’m going to push for that shot,” Topuria stated months ago. “I will move to the welterweight division.”
The bout would create a historic “champ-champ vs. champ-champ” scenario. Both fighters represent different fighting styles. Makhachev relies on wrestling and control. Topuria brings explosive striking power.
Former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov weighed in on the potential fight. He serves as a mentor to Makhachev. “I think right now, yeah: Topuria and Islam is the biggest fight,” Nurmagomedov said.
Pound-for-Pound Rankings Debate
Makhachev shared his views on the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings during UFC 322 fight week. He spoke with Adin Ross about changes he would make. “I’d change the pound-for-pound rankings,” Makhachev said. “Back to number one. This week, we’ll change.”
Dana White says Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev could happen 👀
"[Ilia vs Islam] can happen too. I think everyone wants to see that fight, including Topuria and Islam."
(via Prince St. Pizza) pic.twitter.com/kUL3n0WdBp
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 11, 2025
Makhachev listed his personal top five fighters. He named Alexandre Pantoja, Tom Aspinall, and Alexander Volkanovski ahead of Topuria. “Myself, Pantoja, Aspinall, and Volkanovski,” he stated. “That’s four? And Topuria.”
The ranking placement shows respect for Topuria but questions his position at the top. Makhachev believes the rankings favor popularity over sustained dominance. He argues his own resume demonstrates more consistency than one knockout victory.
White’s recent comments mark a shift in tone. He previously urged caution about the matchup. Now he acknowledges both fighters want the bout. The UFC appears open to making the fight happen.
Makhachev must first defeat Della Maddalena this weekend at UFC 322. A victory would give him the welterweight championship. Topuria remains without a scheduled opponent for the remainder of the year.
