Legendary fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov has weighed in on which fight the UFC should prioritize booking in the current landscape. While acknowledging the immense appeal of potential bouts like Jon Jones versus Alex Pereira, Nurmagomedov firmly believes that a clash between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria would generate the most significant buzz.
Nurmagomedov shared his perspective on the WEIGHING IN podcast, stating that the proposed matchup between the reigning lightweight champion Makhachev and the featherweight king Topuria holds the greatest potential for a monumental event.
Speculation had been rife about Makhachev and Topuria potentially facing off on June 14th. However, this highly anticipated bout did not materialize, with the exact reasons remaining undisclosed. Rumors range from an injury sustained by Makhachev to financial demands from Topuria that led the UFC to reconsider the booking.
Currently, Ilia Topuria is slated to challenge Justin Gaethje for the lightweight title on June 14th. Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev, who recently defended his welterweight title, is expected to make his next defense in August, with Ian Machado Garry being a rumored opponent.
Topuria has expressed his ambition to move up to the welterweight division after his upcoming fight. This trajectory suggests that a superfight between Makhachev and Topuria remains a distinct possibility for late 2026 or early 2027. Both fighters have indicated a willingness to compete against each other, driven by the desire to prove their dominance.
English Translation:
Khabib Nurmagomedov Picks the Biggest Fight the UFC Can Book Today
Khabib Nurmagomedov has offered his opinion on the biggest fight the UFC can currently book.
The promotion has several major events scheduled in the coming months. On June 14th, the UFC will host a highly anticipated card at the South Lawn of the White House, featuring one of its most stacked lineups ever. The main event for UFC Freedom 250 is a lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. The co-main event will see Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane compete for the interim heavyweight championship.
In July, at UFC 325, Conor McGregor is set to make his long-awaited return for a rematch against Max Holloway. Gable Steveson will also make his UFC debut on the same night.
Khabib Nurmagomedov Names the Biggest Fight the UFC Can Make Right Now
According to Khabib Nurmagomedov, the most significant fight the UFC can book at this moment is Islam Makhachev versus Ilia Topuria. Speaking on the WEIGHING IN podcast, “The Eagle” opined that while a potential superfight between Jon Jones and Alex Pereira would still be massive, it wouldn’t surpass the hype of Makhachev versus Topuria.
Makhachev versus Topuria was reportedly in the works for June 14th. However, the fight ultimately did not get booked, and the reason remains unclear. Some rumors suggest that Makhachev’s hand injury caused the plan to be scrapped, while others claim Topuria requested a substantial payday, leading the UFC to abandon the matchup.
For now, “El Matador” (Topuria) will face Gaethje on June 14th, as mentioned earlier. The pound-for-pound king (Makhachev) is expected to make the first defense of his 170-pound strap in August and is rumored to meet Ian Machado Garry.
Topuria intends to move up to welterweight after he knocks out “The Highlight” (Gaethje) on June 14th.
Therefore, a superfight between Makhachev and Topuria is still not a distant dream and can certainly come to fruition in late 2026 or early next year, as both fighters are eager to battle each other to prove who is the best.
