TLDR
- Ilia Topuria has called for a super fight against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev
- The featherweight champion predicts he will submit Makhachev, known for his elite grappling
- Topuria made the callout for after the UFC’s White House event
- The fight would be a rare champion vs. champion cross-division matchup
- Makhachev has not yet responded to Topuria’s challenge and prediction
Sources: Yahoo Sports | MMA Mania
UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has called for a super fight against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, claiming he will submit the dominant grappler. The callout came after Topuria attended the UFC’s White House event this week.
Topuria made a clear statement about his intentions to face Makhachev in the octagon. He told reporters that fans should not be surprised when he finishes the lightweight champion by submission.
“I’m gonna submit him,” Topuria said when discussing the potential matchup. “Don’t be surprised.”
The claim is a daring one, considering Makhachev’s reputation as one of the best grapplers in MMA. The lightweight champion has dominated opponents with his wrestling and submission skills throughout his career.
Ilia Topuria would aim to 'shock the world' against Islam Makhachev https://t.co/0Qp2xuuKEJ
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) April 21, 2026
Champion vs. Champion Matchup
Topuria currently holds the UFC featherweight title and has established himself as a finishing threat in the 145-pound division. The Spanish-Georgian fighter has shown strong grappling credentials of his own during his rise to the championship.
Makhachev holds the UFC lightweight title at 155 pounds and has been nearly unstoppable since claiming the belt. The Dagestani fighter trains under the same system that produced former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
A fight between the two champions would represent a rare cross-division super fight in the UFC. These matchups typically generate significant fan interest and pay-per-view sales for the promotion.
Topuria’s confidence in his grappling ability sets up an intriguing stylistic clash. Most fighters avoid engaging Makhachev on the ground, but the featherweight champion appears eager to test himself in that area.
Topuria’s Path to the Challenge
The featherweight champion has finished multiple opponents during his UFC career, showing both striking and grappling prowess. His well-rounded skill set has allowed him to dominate the 145-pound division since capturing the title.
Topuria has not revealed when he hopes this fight would take place. The UFC has not commented on whether they would entertain booking this champion versus champion matchup.
Makhachev has not yet responded publicly to Topuria’s callout and prediction. The lightweight champion has previously expressed interest in legacy-defining fights but also has contenders waiting in his own division.
The UFC White House event provided Topuria with a platform to make his intentions known. Several UFC champions and fighters attended the event, creating opportunities for potential fight announcements and callouts.
Topuria’s prediction that he will submit Makhachev represents a direct challenge to the lightweight champion’s greatest strength. Whether the fight materializes will depend on both fighters’ schedules and the UFC’s willingness to book the cross-division bout.
