Ilia Topuria had his sights set on a superfight with Islam Makhachev even before becoming a two-division UFC champion. However, this highly anticipated bout has yet to materialize.
In 2025, the fight between Topuria and Makhachev was reportedly close to being finalized. However, following Jack Della Maddalena’s victory over Belal Muhammad, Makhachev, who had successfully defended his lightweight title four times, decided to move up to the welterweight division.
In contrast, Topuria relinquished his featherweight title. After Makhachev’s move, “El Matador” went on to defeat Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, securing the lightweight championship. Makhachev also achieved dual-division status by dethroning “JDM” at UFC 322. The pound-for-pound king and current welterweight champion is slated to face Ian Machado Garry next.
Meanwhile, Topuria is scheduled to face the current two-time interim UFC lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje, on June 14. Following this title unification bout, the 29-year-old fighter will either defend his lightweight belt against Arman Tsarukyan or relinquish it to move up to welterweight.
Following the announcement of the White House card, rumors emerged suggesting that a fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria was initially planned. It remains unclear whether the fight fell through due to financial disagreements from Topuria’s side or if Makhachev’s hand injury prevented him from being ready for the June 14 date.
Ilia Topuria Believes a Victory Over Islam Makhachev Isn’t Necessary for Him to Feel “Happy and Proud”
Previously, “El Matador” had suggested that Makhachev was avoiding a fight with him. However, he has since revised his stance, attributing the stalled negotiations to the UFC.
During an interview with VicBlends, Topuria stated: “I don’t think it’s because of [Islam] that the fight is not happening. I truly believe it’s that the UFC doesn’t want to make it happen.”
In the same conversation, Topuria expressed admiration for the pound-for-pound king, emphasizing that even if they never face each other, he would still be immensely proud of his own accomplishments.
He elaborated: “For me personally, it wouldn’t change anything. I don’t hate Islam Makhachev. I don’t have anything personal against him. He’s achieved great things in the sport, he’s a double champ like me, and if you do me and Islam, it will be one of the biggest fights in UFC history. If that fight never happens, I will be happy and proud of myself anyways. I don’t need Islam to feel proud about myself.”
Ilia Topuria Reacts to the Possibility of No Islam Makhachev Fight
Ilia Topuria had his sights set on a superfight with Islam Makhachev even before becoming a two-division UFC champion. However, this highly anticipated bout has yet to materialize.
In 2025, the fight between Topuria and Makhachev was reportedly close to being finalized. However, following Jack Della Maddalena’s victory over Belal Muhammad, Makhachev, who had successfully defended his lightweight title four times, decided to move up to the welterweight division.
In contrast, Topuria relinquished his featherweight title. After Makhachev’s move, “El Matador” went on to defeat Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, securing the lightweight championship. Makhachev also achieved dual-division status by dethroning “JDM” at UFC 322. The pound-for-pound king and current welterweight champion is slated to face Ian Machado Garry next.
Meanwhile, Topuria is scheduled to face the current two-time interim UFC lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje, on June 14. Following this title unification bout, the 29-year-old fighter will either defend his lightweight belt against Arman Tsarukyan or relinquish it to move up to welterweight.
Following the announcement of the White House card, rumors emerged suggesting that a fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria was initially planned. It remains unclear whether the fight fell through due to financial disagreements from Topuria’s side or if Makhachev’s hand injury prevented him from being ready for the June 14 date.
Ilia Topuria Believes a Victory Over Islam Makhachev Isn’t Necessary for Him to Feel “Happy and Proud”
Previously, “El Matador” had suggested that Makhachev was avoiding a fight with him. However, he has since revised his stance, attributing the stalled negotiations to the UFC.
During an interview with VicBlends, Topuria stated: “I don’t think it’s because of [Islam] that the fight is not happening. I truly believe it’s that the UFC doesn’t want to make it happen.”
In the same conversation, Topuria expressed admiration for the pound-for-pound king, emphasizing that even if they never face each other, he would still be immensely proud of his own accomplishments.
He elaborated: “For me personally, it wouldn’t change anything. I don’t hate Islam Makhachev. I don’t have anything personal against him. He’s achieved great things in the sport, he’s a double champ like me, and if you do me and Islam, it will be one of the biggest fights in UFC history. If that fight never happens, I will be happy and proud of myself anyways. I don’t need Islam to feel proud about myself.”