After the chaos of UFC 321, widely considered one of the worst cards of 2025, fans are longing for redemption as the promotion returns to Madison Square Garden for UFC 322. Headlining the event, Islam Makhachev will move up to welterweight to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the 170-pound title, aiming to create a two-division champion become. Interestingly, Makhachev’s move has been on reigning lightweight king Ilia Topuria’s radar for some time.
The reason for this is that the Spaniard was hoping to face the Dagestani at UFC 317 to pursue his own dual championship ambitions. Although Topuria achieved that feat by Knockout Charles Oliveira in less than three minutes, his interest in a future confrontation with Makhachev remains high. In a twist that has fans excited, Makhachev has now responded positively to Topuria’s challenge, paving the way for a potential blockbuster clash at next year’s White House event.
Islam Makhachev is open to facing Ilia Topuria, even for 155 pounds, for the right price
In a recent interview with ESPN’s Brett OkamotoIslam Makhachev fueled the excitement by discussing the possibility of finally facing Ilia Topuria. The former lightweight champion joined the growing list of UFC stars including Jon Jones, Conor McGregor and Merab Dvalishvili, who have all expressed interest in competing on the massive White House card in June 2026.
When asked about the possible superfight with the Spaniard, Makhachev said: “He wants to fight in the White House, I want to be there too. It’s going to be a big fight for the MMA community.”
Islam ready to face Ilia in the White House 🇺🇸🔥
When asked if this is the biggest fight in the UFC right now, Islam said:
“He wants to fight in the White House and I want to be there too.”
“I think it’s going to be big for the MMA community.”
“If UFC wants this fight then… pic.twitter.com/2Ybg6pA4ky— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 27, 2025
He then spoke about the magnitude of such a match, adding: “If the UFC wants this fight, we can do this. I know the UFC wants to do a big fight in the White House, what fight will be bigger than this? I have a good fight now and I know Ilia is going to fight soon. We’ll see what happens.”
Interestingly enough, Makhachev even hinted that he might consider moving back down to lightweight for the fight. He explained, “170 will be better for me. If I have to cut back to 155, it will be difficult. Dana White will have to pay for this.”
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Islam Makhachev says Dana White has to pay him if he wants the fight with Ilia Topuria at 155 😂
“170 will be better for me. If I have to cut back to 155, it will be difficult. Dana White will have to pay for this.”
(via @espnmma ) pic.twitter.com/AqqF5nUB2v
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 27, 2025
Okamoto also mentioned the potential benefit of Makhachev’s fasting during Ramadan, which could help him lose weight naturally. Makhachev then replied: “Yes, Ramadan too, you lose weight, you know. We’ll see, after the fight.” [UFC 322]If I stop taking creatine and protein, we’ll see how much I weigh.”
For context, Makhachev moved up to 170 pounds due to the severe weight cuts he endured at lightweight. At age 34, many believed he would never return to 155 pounds. However, his latest comments suggest that if the UFC provides the right incentive, he may take on that challenge again.
This development has fans buzzing, especially after Topuria recently reignited the conversation during a press conference in Georgia. The lightweight champion said that if Makhachev beats Della Maddalena on November 15, he will be ready to face him next, even if that means moving up to welterweight and trying to capture a third UFC title.
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