Essentials Inside The Story
- Ilia Topuria floats the idea of a move out of lightweight for a historic achievement in a fight against Islam Makhachev.
- The UFC champ even proposes a catchweight clash with a symbolic “pound-for-pound” belt on the line.
- If realized, the plan would bypass a standard title path and reshape two divisions at once.
Ilia Topuria isn’t just planning a comeback; he’s plotting a historic takeover with a challenge aimed squarely at Islam Makhachev. After spending some time on the sidelines dealing with personal issues, the UFC lightweight champion is ready to make his comeback. A lightweight unification bout is being discussed for the summer. However, once he is done with a comeback fight, ‘El Matador’s goal is to create UFC history by chasing a third title against the welterweight champion. This ambition of his was revealed during a recent conversation with Adin Ross on Ross’ livestream.
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“The perfect scenario for me would be fighting him in the welterweight division, because that way, I’m going to be able to collect my third belt,” Topuria told Adin Ross. “But also, would be a greater scenario for me to fight between 155 and 170, and create a new belt. Why not call it pound-for-pound? Because he’s the No. 1, I’m the No. 2 right now.
“For me, and myself, I’m the No. 1. You put two of the best guys in the world, you put the pound-for-pound belt in the middle. Whoever wins is the best.”
For Topuria, the challenge of winning the title at welterweight is exciting since becoming UFC’s first three-weight champion remains an unprecedented feat. Or else a catchweight bout with a new P4P belt, much like the BMF belt, can be interesting too.
Nevertheless, Ilia Topuria hasn’t competed since his knockout victory over Charles Oliveira in June last year. In the months that followed, he has reportedly been navigating a separation from his wife, adding a personal chapter to his time away from the Octagon.
Imago
June 5, 2025, Madrid, Spain: Ultimate Fighting Championship UFC fighter, Ilia Topuria attends WOW 20 Madrid press conference at Teatro Amaya in Madrid. Madrid Spain – ZUMAs197 20250605_aaa_s197_022 Copyright: xAtilanoxGarciax
While some speculated that Topuria could headline the June 14 White House card against Justin Gaethje, his Spanish-Georgian heritage appears to have complicated that possibility.
Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev captured welterweight gold with a victory over Jack Della Maddalena last year. He has yet to make the first defense of his new title, though potential challengers such as Kamaru Usman and Ian Garry have already surfaced in early discussions. However, one UFC great believes the path to Makhachev through Gaethje might not be as smooth as Topuria thinks.
Max Holloway hasn’t given up on Justin Gaethje against Ilia Topuria
After Gaethje claimed the interim title with a win over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, many questioned his performance and viewed him as a heavy underdog against Topuria. Max Holloway, however, sees it differently.
“People seem to think that after Justin’s last fight, that means Ilia will win easily,” Holloway said. “I think sometimes you have to do what Justin did against Paddy. You have to make it ugly and put people in a fight when they’re not used to that style.
“I think Justin made that fight look how he wanted it to look.”
With Topuria’s dominance acknowledged, Holloway still suggests chaos could be Gaethje’s clearest path to victory. However, he has ulterior motives regarding the lightweight title.
“I’d love to get that one back against Ilia, and I know Justin would love to get the one back against me, so whoever wins, I think I’m in a great position.”
Holloway is scheduled to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 on March 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for the BMF belt.
There’s clearly much for Ilia Topuria to do before he can fight Islam Makhachev. This also gives Makhachev the time to settle into his division. And when they eventually meet, it could be bigger than the White House card. Who do you think would win?
