Even before his move to lightweight and his achievement of becoming a two-division UFC champion, Ilia Topuria had his sights set on a superfight with Islam Makhachev. However, this highly anticipated bout has yet to take place.
A matchup between Topuria and Makhachev was reportedly close to being finalized for 2025. 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 championship. After Makhachev’s move up, Topuria secured the lightweight title by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
Makhachev later achieved championship status in a second division by defeating “JDM” at UFC 322. The current pound-for-pound king and welterweight champion is slated to face Ian Machado Garry next.
Meanwhile, Topuria is scheduled to fight the current two-time interim UFC lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje, on June 14. After this title unification bout, the 29-year-old fighter plans to either defend his lightweight belt against Arman Tsarukyan or vacate it and compete in the welterweight division.
Following the announcement of the White House card, rumors emerged suggesting that an Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria fight was originally planned. The reasons for its collapse remain unclear, with speculation ranging from Topuria requesting a higher purse to Makhachev dealing with a hand injury that prevented him from being ready for the June 14 date.
Ilia Topuria Believes the UFC, Not Islam Makhachev, is Hindering the Fight
Previously, Topuria had suggested that Makhachev was avoiding a fight with him. However, he has since revised his stance, attributing the lack of a matchup to the UFC’s decision-making. In a recent 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.”
During the same interview, Topuria expressed admiration for Makhachev, emphasizing that even if they never face each other in the octagon, he would still feel immense pride in his own accomplishments. He added:
“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.”
English Translation:
Even before moving up to lightweight and becoming a two-division UFC champion, Ilia Topuria had his crosshairs on Islam Makhachev. However, to date, this superfight has not materialized.
In 2025, Topuria vs. Makhachev was nearly a done deal until Jack Della Maddalena dethroned Belal Muhammad, after which the Russian fighter, who had already defended his 155-pound strap four times, decided to move up to welterweight.
Topuria, on the other hand, vacated his featherweight throne, and after Makhachev moved up, “El Matador” knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to become the new lightweight champion.
Makhachev also attained two-division glory after dethroning “JDM” at UFC 322. The pound-for-pound king and welterweight titleholder is expected to lock horns with Ian Machado Garry next.
Meanwhile, Topuria will be facing current and two-time interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje on June 14. After this title unification clash, the 29-year-old will either defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan or vacate it and move up to welterweight.
After the White House card was announced, rumors surfaced that Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria was originally planned. However, it remains unclear whether the fight fell apart because Topuria asked for more money or because Makhachev was dealing with a hand injury and couldn’t get ready in time for June 14.
Ilia Topuria Does Not Need to Beat Islam Makhachev to Feel “Happy and Proud”
In the past, “El Matador” had alleged that Makhachev doesn’t want to fight him. But now he has recanted his previous statements and blamed the UFC. During an interview with VicBlends, Topuria said:
“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.”
During the same interview, Topuria praised the pound-for-pound king and added that even if they never end up facing each other, he would still be very proud of himself.
“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.”
