Ilia Topuria Bursts Fans’ Bubble Revealing Islam Makhachev Super Fight Not Being On Cards

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria reveals timeline for potential return as well as confirms next fight amidst legal troubles.

Ilia Topuria Bursts Fans’ Bubble Revealing Islam Makhachev Super Fight Not Being On Cards

Ilia Topuria seemingly pushes off Islam Makhachev superfight (via Instagram, Bloody Elbow)

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Ilia Topuria’s rise in the UFC was driven by elite knockout power and statement wins over former champions such as Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. Those performances earned him titles in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions. However, recent personal issues have kept Topuria out of competition for a prolonged period. He has now revealed a timeline for his return to the Octagon.

Topuria last fought in June 2025 at UFC 317, where he knocked out Charles Oliveira to win the lightweight title. One major reason for his move up was a potential fight with former champion Islam Makhachev. However, the Dagestani star moved to welterweight and captured the title by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. That shift has heightened the stakes for a possible superfight.

Topuria was expected to headline the UFC’s first card on Paramount+, but personal issues disrupted those plans. The situation led the promotion to book an interim title fight between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje for UFC 324. Topuria recently addressed questions on X and pointed to a possible return between April and June. When asked about facing #1 contender Arman Tsarukyan, he suggested an alternative.

The winner between Paddy and Justin.

Ilia Topuria via X

Topuria’s legal difficulties arose from his separation from his wife, Giorgina Uzacategui, which led to ongoing personal and legal matters outside the Octagon. The situation required his sustained attention away from training and competition. He has acknowledged that the process took a toll on him mentally and emotionally. Those challenges played a central role in delaying his planned return to competition.

Topuria has continued to position Makhachev as a primary target despite their weight class split. He has repeatedly criticized Makhachev’s wrestling-heavy approach, framing his style as calculated rather than emotional. Alongside those comments, the Georgian-Spanish champion has also directed criticism toward Makhachev’s longtime mentor and former lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov.

El Matador’s future now appears centered on solidifying his position in the lightweight division rather than pursuing cross-divisional ambitions. As his attention shifts toward defending his title and resolving unfinished business at 155 pounds, the possibility of an Islam Makhachev superfight continues to fade. For now, Ilia Topuria’s focus remains on dominance within his current division rather than legacy fights.

Ilia Topuria has one word prediction for a potential fight against Arman Tsarukyan

Arman Tsarukyan has held the number one position in the UFC lightweight rankings for an extended period. Despite that status, his opportunity to fight for the title has been delayed due to issues stemming from his own actions. UFC CEO Dana White has stated that Tsarukyan is considered a risky booking for championship bouts. That reputation has directly affected his path toward an undisputed title fight.

Arman Tsarukyan slams Ilia Topuria (via X)
Ilia Topuria talks about Arman Tsarukyan (via X)

Tsarukyan has been engaged in a longstanding rivalry with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. Over time, he has publicly called out the champion for avoiding a matchup on multiple occasions. The tension between the two has become one of the division’s most talked-about potential fights. Recently, Topuria responded to a fan question about knocking out the Armenian contender with a single, definitive word.

Easily.

Ilia Topuria via X

There has been speculation about how Topuria would fare against Tsarukyan’s grappling-heavy style. Observers question whether his striking and knockout power can overcome the contender’s wrestling and control. The Armenian lightweight’s pressure and pace present a significant challenge for any opponent. Their potential matchup would undoubtedly be a key test for Ilia Topuria in the lightweight division.

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