Ali Abdelaziz Says Justin Gaethje Is Next for Undisputed Title, Confirms Islam Makhachev Will Fight a Real Welterweight, Not Ilia Topuria

Recent comments from pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev have caused quite a stir in the MMA community. In a recent interview, he expressed interest in fighting “El Matador” at the UFC White House. The 34-year-old said:

“I like this idea [of facing Ilia Topuria] if UFC wants it…I’m ready.” [via Telegraf]

Meanwhile, Topuria called up the Russian before the 29-year-old moved up to lightweight.

Ali Abdelaziz provides an update on Islam Makhachev and Justin Gaethje, while giving little importance to Ilia Topuria’s big plans

Islam Makhachev and current and two-time interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje’s manager just made it clear that Gaethje will fight for the undisputed 155-pound title next, and Makhachev also wants to defend his 170-pound belt against a “real welterweight.”

So if Topuria chooses not to unify the titles with Gaethje, “The Highlight” will still compete for the title against another top contender.

Ali Abdelaziz also added that if Islam Makhachev wants to face Topuria, it will ultimately be the pound-for-pound king who decides when and where the fight will take place. The MMA manager posted on X:

“Just to be clear, @Justin_Gaethje will fight for the undisputed lightweight title next, and if Topuria doesn’t want to, then Justin will fight for the undisputed title against whoever is next. And if Islam wants to give Topuria this blow, then he will be the one to choose where and when, but Islam’s next fight will definitely be against a real welterweight.”

Check out Ali Abdelaziz’s post below:

Ilia Topuria has no intention of avoiding Gaethje and has expressed interest in talking to the latter at the White House on June 14. However, if given the opportunity, he would want to fight Makhachev over any other opponent.

tops plans to defend his lightweight belt once before moving up to chase a third belt.

However, the promotion is mapping out the UFC White House event’s lineup of fighters, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if fans saw Makhachev vs. See Topuria on the map. Since the card is being billed as a one-time event, Dana White, Hunter Campbell and others will likely do whatever it takes to make it truly memorable.