UFC Insider predicts Dana White to ‘break the bank’ for Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria super fight

UFC analyst talks about the promotion prioritizing Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria over the Dagestani's double-champion dreams.

UFC Insider predicts Dana White to ‘break the bank’ for Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria super fight

Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev to fight next soon (via Imago/X)

Few possible fights in the UFC are more interesting than Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria. Since vacating his belt, the Georgian-Spanish superstar is obsessed with getting his title shot, which was allegedly promised by Dana White. However, there have been some major delays about the fight, but it seems like the promotion is trying its best. 

Makhachev has already rejected the fight offer, citing that beating Topuria wouldn’t add anything to his legacy. On the contrary, the Dagestani wanted to move up and become a double champion. However, according to UFC analyst Laura Sanko, the promotion is trying its best to hold the much anticipated superfight. 

I think that the UFC really wants Islam vs. Topuria, and I think they will do whatever it takes to make that fight happen financially.

Laura Sanko via Submission Radio 

Topuria has officially begun his training camp, sparking excitement among fans who eagerly await news of his next UFC challenge. Interestingly, Makhachev’s training camp started at the same time, leading to widespread speculation about a potential clash between the two. Although White has not confirmed the fight, the overlapping camps strongly suggest an epic showdown is quietly looming.

There were reports about Makhachev waiting for the winner of Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena, and fighting JDM next. However, according to Sanko, there might be something else that the UFC is planning. She shared her own theory about the aftermath of Della Maddalena beating Muhammad at the upcoming title fight at UFC 315. 

If JDM ends up beating Belal, we’ve got a pretty tight race depending on the health of Shavkat. Ian Garry, Shavkat and then Sean Brady.

Laura Shanko continued.

Many top welterweight fighters like Ian Garry are also ready to welcome Makhachev if the pound-for-pound ace decides to move up. Historically, the lightweight division has been the most competitive; however, lately the 170lbs division has seen a rise in top contenders. Despite all the drama, many believe that after UFC 315, things would be clear about what’s next for both the divisions. 

Is Islam Makhachev vs. Belal Muhammad possible?

Belal Muhammad won his UFC welterweight title last year by beating Leon Edwards in a dominant win at UFC 304. Since then, he hasn’t defended his title and is looking forward to continuing his legacy, starting with Jack Della Maddalena. However, if Muhammad manages to defend his belt, things would be more complicated for Islam Makhachev and his future plans.

Islam Makhachev and Belal Muhammad posing with each other
Islam Makhachev and Belal Muhammad posing with each other (via Instagram)

Irrespective of the Ilia Topuria fight, the Dagestani will be moving up and seeking new challenges in the welterweight division. Muhammad has no plans to accept the fight, making the potential matchup a difficult one to materialize without mutual interest. During the interview, Laura Sanko mentioned that this feeling might not be mutual with Makhachev, who seems more open-minded.

I have a gut feeling that Islam is somewhat open to fighting Belal whereas Belal is not at all open to fighting Islam. I get the feeling that Islam wouldn’t prefer it because there is so much mutual respect and time shared and all these things but it’s kind of like, ‘Yeah but I also want that second belt, whereas Belal is like I would never ever.

Laura Sanko continued. 

Muhammad has spent a lot of time training under Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team. As a result of their shared brotherhood, he doesn’t want to fight Makhachev. However, in order to make it easy for the Dagestani, Muhammad has also talked about moving up. His rivalry with Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis makes his potential move even more intriguing.

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