Islam Makhachev responded to numerous questions from the media after arriving in Dagestan, including whether he would be willing to challenge champion Ilia Topuria at lightweight.
Makhachev vacated his lightweight championship earlier this year in pursuit of welterweight gold and was successful in his campaign. The Russian fighter dominated and dethroned Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. The welterweight division is currently filled with several contenders on the rise. Carlos Prates, Ian Machado Garry and Michael Morales, among others, want a title shot next.
However, fans want Makhachev to fight Topuria. ‘El Matador’, who currently holds the 155-pound championship, has not defended it once so far.
Because Makhachev vs. Topuria has the potential to be the most successful UFC fight to date, the promotion is also interested in making this a reality. However, with both fighters being champions in their respective divisions, it is still uncertain whether the fight would take place at lightweight or welterweight.
The Georgian-Spaniard has been calling on Makhachev for a long time. The Russian has also not completely ruled out returning to lightweight for the challenge. In a recent interview, he said that if the UFC comes up with a really good offer, he might consider cutting all that weight and fighting Topuria.
“It should be a very good offer for me to go back to 155 [pounds]. Because I’m not young anymore in this sport, and any weight loss takes years off your health. It is not as easy as before to lose weight.”
Watch Islam Makhachev’s comments below:
Islam Makhachev reaffirms his desire to compete on the UFC’s 2026 White House Card
Islam Makhachev is looking forward to defending his welterweight title for the first time and has expressed interest in being part of the UFC White House 2026 card. After dethroning Jack Della Maddalena, he said at the octagonal interview:
“Open the White House! I’m coming!”
Now, after landing in Dagestan, he doubled his previous wish:
“The big tournament will take place at the White House… Maybe the first and the last. Why not add my name to it?”
Watch Islam Makhachev’s comments below:
#Islam #Makhachev #reveals #chosen #lightweight #superfight #Ilia #Topuria