TLDR
- Ilia Topuria wants to become a three-division UFC champion by challenging Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title
- Topuria first must defeat interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14
- The undefeated champion predicts he will finish Gaethje in the first round of their White House fight
- Topuria has already won titles at featherweight and lightweight with knockouts of three former champions
- Islam Makhachev won the welterweight title in November 2025 and has been teasing his next fight announcement
Sources: Sherdog | BJ Penn | Fighters Only
UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has made it clear he wants to become a three-division champion. The undefeated fighter plans to move up to welterweight and challenge Islam Makhachev for the 170-pound title if he defeats Justin Gaethje on June 14.
“I want to connect the third belt. Everyone knows that,” Topuria told UFC’s Megan Olivi. “After this fight, if the UFC wants to give me the opportunity to move up to the welterweight division and fight against the current champion, Islam Makhachev, I’ll be very happy.”
Topuria faces interim lightweight champion Gaethje in the main event at UFC Freedom 250, which takes place on the White House lawn. The fight will unify the lightweight championship after Topuria’s brief hiatus opened the door for Gaethje to win the interim title.
Justin Gaethje went OFF on Ilia Topuria and said he understands why his wife left him 😳
"All that guy is, is a gimmick. He calls himself the king. He thinks he's a God. What an annoying little bastard. I couldn't imagine being in a room with him for 30 minutes listening to him… pic.twitter.com/jE0DegYfSj
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 2, 2026
Confidence Before Gaethje Showdown
The Georgian-Spanish fighter predicts he will stop Gaethje before the first round ends. Topuria told UFC on Paramount+ that he has complete faith in finishing the fight early.
“I have the stamina to go not for five rounds, but for five days,” Topuria said. “I know how it feels when you’re tired, when you can’t do more, and you never give up. So I’m ready. But I have the complete faith that I am going to finish him in the first round. I just want to make it look beautiful.”
Topuria enters the bout with a perfect 17-0 record. He has knocked out three former champions in his recent run: Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira.
The undefeated champion originally won the featherweight title before moving up to lightweight. He captured the 155-pound belt with a first-round knockout of Oliveira in June 2025.
Gaethje holds a 27-5 record and is making his third attempt at winning an undisputed UFC title. He has gone 4-1 since his last title challenge against Oliveira in 2022.
The interim champion earned his belt with a victory over Paddy Pimblett in January. Gaethje is known for his durability and knockout power, making him a dangerous opponent for any fighter.
Three-Belt Chase
Topuria’s ambition would put him in rare company if he succeeds. Only a handful of fighters have held titles in multiple UFC divisions, and none have done so in three weight classes.
“If you don’t take risks, there is no champagne,” Topuria said about his plan to challenge for a third belt.
Makhachev won the welterweight title in November 2025 and has not competed since. The champion has been hinting that his next fight will be announced soon.
Top contenders Ian Machado Garry and Michael Morales are considered the most likely challengers for Makhachev’s first welterweight title defense. However, a win over Gaethje could push Topuria to the front of the line.
Topuria is a heavy betting favorite heading into UFC Freedom 250. The event marks a historic occasion as the first UFC show to take place on White House grounds.
The lightweight champion insists he is prepared for a long fight if necessary. However, he expects to add Gaethje to his list of knockout victims and move on to his next challenge at welterweight.
