TLDR
- Islam Makhachev has confirmed he’s ready to fight Ilia Topuria, despite mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov’s preference for welterweight title defenses
- Makhachev told Serbian media ‘I’m ready’ if the UFC wants to make the fight happen
- The fight could take place at the June 14 White House event, which works with Makhachev’s post-Ramadan training schedule
- Topuria would need to move up to welterweight at 170 pounds to challenge Makhachev for his title
- Makhachev won the welterweight championship in November 2025 after moving up from lightweight where Topuria now holds the belt
Sources: AS | Sherdog | ESPN MMA | MMA Junkie
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has expressed interest in fighting Ilia Topuria at the upcoming White House event, going against his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov’s advice to focus on defending his welterweight title.
Makhachev confirmed his readiness for the potential superfight during an interview with Serbian outlet Telegraf. “I like this idea,” Makhachev said about facing Topuria. “If the UFC wants [this fight], I know a lot of MMA fans want this fight, I’m ready.”
The fight would pit the top two pound-for-pound fighters in the sport against each other. Makhachev currently holds the UFC welterweight championship, while Topuria won the vacant lightweight title after Makhachev moved up from 155 pounds.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s longtime coach and mentor, has reportedly advised his protégé to stay at welterweight and rack up title defenses. However, Makhachev’s recent comments signal his willingness to take on Topuria despite this guidance.
Islam Makhachev says he is open to fighting Ilia Topuria.
Both undefeated, both champions and UFC is pushing for a mega fight.
Makhachev even said he would be ready to fight anywhere, even the White House.
Is this the fight the world needs Forzabet fam 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/XJovpqq21d
— FORZA.BET (@FORZABETCASINO) February 12, 2026
White House Event Timing Works for Makhachev
The UFC is planning a historic event at the White House on June 14, which coincides with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. UFC CEO Dana White has said the card will be “the most watched UFC event ever.”
Makhachev’s timeline aligns perfectly with this date due to his observance of Ramadan. “We have the Ramadan month, I’m not going to train for one month,” Makhachev explained. “After that, I will slowly begin my training camp and I will be ready.”
Ramadan runs from February 17 through March 19, giving Makhachev nearly three months to prepare for a June fight. He stated that whether it’s at the White House or another date, he will be ready to compete.
Makhachev won the welterweight title in November 2025 with a dominant victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden. He previously held the lightweight championship before moving up to 170 pounds.
Topuria’s Path to the Fight
Ilia Topuria has been calling for a fight with Makhachev for some time. Topuria vacated the featherweight title last year to move up to lightweight, where he won the vacant championship.
To face Makhachev, Topuria would need to move up another weight class to welterweight. He has expressed willingness to do so if it meant getting the fight with Makhachev.
However, Topuria also has business to handle at lightweight. Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett to win the interim lightweight title at UFC 324. Topuria and Gaethje are expected to unify their titles at a later date.
Topuria resumed training last week after reportedly settling a legal dispute with his ex-wife. He has conquered two divisions at featherweight and lightweight during his UFC career.
Makhachev said he is simply waiting for the UFC to give him his next opponent. “In my division, a lot of contenders who deserve the title fight,” Makhachev said. “UFC just has to give me a new target. That’s it. I’m just waiting.”
The White House event is scheduled to feature six or seven fights according to TKO Group Holdings CEO Ari Emanuel. UFC CEO Dana White said on Tuesday that he was planning to meet with matchmakers to begin building the card.
