Ilia Topuria already has his sights set on the perfect opponent for the highly anticipated UFC White House event — and it’s none other than Islam Makhachev.
The reigning UFC lightweight champion believes that a fight between himself and Makhachev could go down as one of the biggest matchups in UFC history, especially if Makhachev captures a third divisional title.
“Islam Makhachev,” Topuria said during a press conference in Georgia (h/t She Loves the Gloves). “I think it would be one of the biggest fights in UFC history. No one has ever fought for a third title, and Islam has done everything in his division. It’s a fight of giant magnitude — perfect for the UFC.”
Topuria, who vacated the featherweight title after knocking out Max Holloway at UFC 308, moved up to lightweight earlier this year and claimed the belt with a devastating KO win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. His long-term vision has always been to face Islam Makhachev, the fighter widely regarded as the No. 1 pound-for-pound athlete in the world.
Makhachev is currently scheduled to face Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322 in November. If Makhachev wins and becomes a three-division champion, Topuria says he’ll have no hesitation moving up to 170 pounds to challenge him.
“If Islam loses, he may as well go back to Dagestan and continue shepherding his sheep,” Topuria said. “But if he wins, I’ll definitely move up. Definitely. 100 percent.”
UFC CEO Dana White recently hinted that Topuria could headline the first Paramount+ UFC event in January 2026, marking a new chapter for international MMA broadcasts. Topuria also expressed excitement about the new Paramount deal, which will allow events to take place at local European times — solving long-standing issues with late-night fight cards in Europe.
“I’m very happy with the new deal,” Topuria added. “Now UFC can hold events in Europe at local prime time, which is perfect for the fans and the fighters.”
If the stars align, a Topuria vs. Makhachev superfight could headline one of the most historic cards in UFC history — possibly at the UFC White House event in June 2026.