Dana White breaks silence on Ilia Topuria’s guaranteed Islam Makhachev title fight: “Lotta s**t going on”

UFC CEO Dana White opens up about Ilia Topuria potentially fighting Islam Makhachev for the lightweight championship.

Dana White breaks silence on Ilia Topuria’s guaranteed Islam Makhachev title fight: “Lotta s**t going on”

Ilia Topuria might not fight Islam Makhachev next (via Imago/X)

Ilia Topuria‘s decision to vacate the featherweight title and move to 155 lbs shocked many fans. While there are several speculations about his next fight, many thought a title fight with Islam Makhachev would be the only possibility. However, UFC CEO Dana White might have some different plans around the much-anticipated clash.

Dana White had announced that complications in making the featherweight weight forced Ilia Topuria to move up. His original plan was to beat Makhachev and become a double champion. Now, the fighter might have to earn his spot and White might have some names for the Georgian-Spanish. 

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There’s still other possibilities. There’s a lot of sh*t going on right now. Otherwise, I would have said. 

Dana White via UFC Seattle post-fight presser 

Topuria has already talked about his intentions to potentially fight someone like Dustin Poirier or Charles Oliveira. On top of that, top lightweight Arman Tsarukyan could also be a perfect candidate for Topuria. Beating anybody out of these fighters could easily give the featherweight champion a title shot.

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According to Topuria’s statement to Dana White, he believed that he did enough in the featherweight division. While his reign was short, the ‘El Matador’ managed to knock out both Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. The fighter has claimed to do the same against Islam Makhachev in a potential match. 

Top UFC Coach predicts Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev 

Islam Makhachev is the current pound-for-pound king and has proved himself multiple times. The fighter doesn’t shy away from challenges and is ready to fight anybody who can make 155 lbs. With every fight, Makhachev keeps on improving, especially on the feet.

UFC coach previews Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria
UFC coach previews Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria (via X)

On top of that, the Dagestani has dominant wrestling, mixed with judo trips and powerful submission. While Ilia Topuria has the power to shut down Makhachev, landing it won’t be that easy. In a recent podcast, UFC coach Tim Welch shared his opinion on the potential mega-fight.

Obviously there is a puncher’s chance but as soon as Islam grabs a hold of him, I think it’s gonna be over….I’m sure Ilia is a really good grappler but Islam is just going to be too strong, too powerful. 

Tim Welch via his YouTube channel 
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Topuria has already established a rivalry with Makhachev and his team via online disputes. The fighter isn’t afraid of the invincible narrative around Dagestani fighters.