Khabib Nurmagomedov, the legendary former UFC champion, has shared his opinion on what constitutes the biggest fight the UFC can organize at this moment.
Nurmagomedov expressed his belief that the most significant potential bout the UFC could book is between current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. In comments made on the “WEIGHING IN” podcast, “The Eagle” suggested that while a superfight between heavyweight titans Jon Jones and Alex Pereira would also be a massive draw, it wouldn’t match the anticipated excitement of a Makhachev versus Topuria clash.
The proposed matchup between Makhachev and Topuria was reportedly in discussions for the UFC’s June 14th event but ultimately did not materialize. The exact reasons for the fight’s cancellation remain undisclosed. Speculation ranges from a hand injury sustained by Makhachev to Topuria’s demands for a substantial payday, which reportedly led the UFC to abandon the negotiation.
Currently, Ilia Topuria is slated to face Justin Gaethje for the lightweight title on June 14th. Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev, the pound-for-pound king, is expected to make the first defense of his welterweight title in August, with a rumored bout against Ian Machado Garry on the horizon. Topuria has expressed his intention to move up to the welterweight division after his fight with Gaethje.
Despite the current circumstances, a superfight between Makhachev and Topuria is still a realistic prospect. It could potentially be booked for late 2026 or early the following year, as both fighters have indicated their willingness to compete against each other to determine the undisputed best.
Translation to English:
Khabib Nurmagomedov has offered his perspective on the most significant fight the UFC can currently book.
In recent statements on the “WEIGHING IN” podcast, “The Eagle” asserted that the biggest fight the UFC could arrange right now is between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. He acknowledged that a potential superfight involving Jon Jones and Alex Pereira would still be a major event but predicted it wouldn’t generate the same level of hype as Makhachev vs. Topuria.
The bout between Makhachev and Topuria was reportedly being considered for June 14th but was ultimately not finalized. The specific reasons for the cancellation are unclear, with rumors pointing to either Makhachev’s hand injury or Topuria’s significant financial demands as potential causes.
Currently, Topuria is scheduled to fight Justin Gaethje on June 14th. Makhachev, the pound-for-pound number one, is anticipated to defend his 170-pound belt in August, possibly against Ian Machado Garry. Topuria has stated his intention to move up to welterweight after his upcoming bout.
Therefore, a superfight between Makhachev and Topuria remains a possibility and could come to fruition in late 2026 or early next year, as both fighters appear eager to compete and prove their dominance.