It appears that a fight between the number one and number two pound-for-pound contenders in the UFC won’t be happening anytime soon. Makhachev made it clear that this fight wasn’t planned for the White House event, the next and probably the most anticipated fight in the coming months. UFC White House has become one of the most anticipated events in the country.
And it will take place this summer, just like another major international sporting competition: the 2026 World Cup, for which the United States will be one of the hosts. Massive coverage is expected from the press, social media, and every soccer World Cup betting site. Actually, both events are going to have an immense impact. But, in the case of the UFC match, we will only be able to see one of the two fighters: El Matador.
Thus, we’ll have to wait a little longer to see the clash between the current lightweight champion and the welterweight champion. It’s not for lack of trying on Topuria’s part: the Georgian-born Spaniard has long been challenging Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protégé. But the Dagestani keeps his emotions in check, as well as his timing and public statements. In addition, a hand injury is keeping him temporarily away from the cage at the moment.
In one of his latest appearances, he not only ruled out the fight; he also stated that he sees no danger in Topuria moving up to welterweight. It should be noted that, should he move up to the 170-pound division, it is very likely that Ilia will fight directly for the title, as he did at lightweight after winning the featherweight championship.
More immediate challenges
The Georgian fighter has a knack for taking on champions. And UFC legends. That’s why he’s brimming with confidence heading into his fight against Justin Gaethje, the interim title challenger. On paper, the matchup seems quite lopsided. Topuria comes in undefeated and in great shape (despite his recent break of a some weeks). Furthermore, the lightweight champion’s boxing skills can take down the promotion’s best strikers (as we saw against Holloway).
However, underestimating the Arizona native is a big mistake. Few predicted he would win when he faced Tony Fergusson. And the same thing happened against Paddy Pimblett. Gaethje’s punches take their toll on his opponents as the rounds progress. It’s another matter entirely if Topuria knocks him down in the early stages.
Islam, for his part, has several names under consideration for his next fight. The Dagestani wrestler could fight in the coming months, after recovering from his injury. Among the various candidates, Ian Garry is a strong contender, having even traveled to Georgia to hone his wrestling skills.
The Great Battle
A striking exchange between Topuria and Gaethje could be extremely interesting, no one doubts that. And Garry’s kicks could pose a challenge to Makhachev to some extent. But fans are particularly interested in seeing the clash between the lightweight and welterweight champions.
For the Russian, a victory would mean absolute dominance in the promotion. And for the Spaniard: the triple crown, something no one has ever achieved before in the UFC. Of course, the winner would also become the number one pound-for-pound contender. One of the big questions is: Who would be the favorite according to the odds? The answer isn’t simple, given the strengths of both fighters.
Ilia is one of the most complete fighters on the current scene: he has excellent boxing skills and knockout power, but his wrestling background allows him to face Makhachev with a degree of confidence. Islam, for his part, has proven that he is unrivaled in takedowns and on the ground. And his offensive striking is powerful and could ultimately decide the fight (remember his second performance against Volkanovski).
Who’s afraid?
The Russian’s recent statements, claiming he doesn’t consider Topuria a real threat in the welterweight division, are a new chapter in the media rivalry between the two athletes. Islam brings up other names in the conversation, such as Garry or Morales, to downplay the current 155-pound champion, mentioning his size, weight, and height.
For his part, the Spanish-Georgian has long likened Islam’s behavior to that of a fighter who runs from confronting him. And it’s not the first time he’s claimed to have the key to defeating him, as he’s faced Dagestani fighters before and knows exactly how to counter them.
Is this simply a way to heighten the hype surrounding the potential fight and psychologically manipulate his opponent? Or might Makhachev genuinely see his rival as too strong and a threat to his legacy? Either way, the clash seems inevitable in the medium term. And we fans will enjoy it.
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