“Please Book For White House” – Fans Go Wild As Islam Makhachev Green Lights Possibility of Ilia Topuria Super Fight

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev reignites hopes for superfight against lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.

“Please Book For White House” – Fans Go Wild As Islam Makhachev Green Lights Possibility of Ilia Topuria Super Fight

Islam Makhachev agrees to Ilia Topuria superfight (via MMA Mania, Instagram)

In Short
  • Islam Makhachev has expressed readiness to fight Ilia Topuria, reigniting interest in a potential superfight.
  • Topuria won the vacant lightweight title, setting the stage for a champion-versus-champion matchup.
  • The weight disparity between the two champions remains a significant hurdle for the superfight's organization.

The UFC has not seen a pay-per-view as big as Khabib Nurmagomedov versus Conor McGregor at UFC 229, one of its highest-selling events. A superfight between welterweight champion Islam Makhachev and lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has emerged as a rare champion-versus-champion scenario to match that scale. Many believed the fight had sailed away, but Makhachev has recently renewed interest.

Talks of a superfight between Makhachev and Topuria began when the Georgian-Spanish star moved up to lightweight, aiming for a clash with the Dagestani superstar. However, Makhachev had already vacated his lightweight title to compete at welterweight. Topuria then won the vacant 155-pound belt by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, setting the stage for renewed champion-versus-champion talks.

After Makhachev captured the welterweight title at UFC 322, talks of a superfight with Topuria slowed, as both champions needed to defend their belts in their own divisions first. The significant weight gap between the two also complicated planning for a cross-division bout. Despite these challenges, Makhachev has recently reignited interest with comments suggesting he is open to facing Topuria.

I like this idea. If the UFC wants this fight, I know a lot of MMA fans want this fight, I’m ready.

Islam Makhachev via Telegraf Sport

However, the main hurdle in making this superfight remains the weight disparity between the two champions. Makhachev’s mentor and UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov has advised him to stay at welterweight rather than drop back to 155 pounds. According to Nurmagomedov, the demanding weight cut poses risks for the younger Dagestani champion, complicating a cross-division clash.

Topuria, on the other hand, has said he does not mind moving up to 170 pounds for a fight with Makhachev. He has repeatedly criticized the welterweight champion’s fighting style, calling it boring. These remarks have heightened anticipation and generated more excitement, and this tension could make the fight one of the most compelling cross-divisional bouts in recent UFC history.

Both champions still have immediate responsibilities in their own divisions before a superfight can happen. Islam Makhachev sits atop a stacked welterweight division filled with rising talent, while Ilia Topuria faces interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, who is waiting to unify the belts. Until these obligations are resolved, their highly anticipated cross-division clash remains a future possibility.

Fans react to Islam Makhachev showing interest in Ilia Topuria superfight

The upcoming UFC White House event on June 14, 2026, is being positioned as one of the biggest in UFC history. Many fans are suggesting Islam Makhachev should face Ilia Topuria and headline the card, given the major implications of a champion-versus-champion bout. The historical significance of the matchup has sparked widespread discussion and anticipation about whether the fight will be officially confirmed.

Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev (via X)

Fans are divided over how Makhachev’s grappling and wrestling would match up against Topuria’s knockout power and Greco-Roman style. The contrast in their fighting approaches has sparked debate, with some backing Makhachev’s control and others Topuria’s finishing ability. This stylistic clash has created a major divide among fans, fueling discussions about who would likely come out on top.

Fans are calling the potential matchup a battle for the pound-for-pound #1 spot in the UFC. Islam Makhachev currently holds the top position in the P4P rankings, while Ilia Topuria sits in second place. This has added another layer of significance to the fight, with anticipation building over which champion could claim the undisputed pound-for-pound supremacy

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