UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has teased a possible fight with former titleholder Kamaru Usman for his first title defense. But three months after winning his second UFC title, Makhachev has reversed course in favor of another huge showdown.
Makhachev won the UFC welterweight title by defeating Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision at UFC 322. Since his victory, several top contenders, including Michael Morales and Ian Machado Garry, have made strong cases for the next title shot.
Makhachev has also repeatedly teased a future showdown with UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria in recent weeks. Ahead of the upcoming White House event, Makhachev appears open to granting Topuria the right to make his first title defense.
Islam Makhachev makes a strong case for the UFC White House headline: ‘I’m ready!’
In a recent interview with TelegraphMakhachev was asked about the idea of revisiting the Topuria fight for his first defense of the welterweight title.
“I like this idea,” Makhachev said of the Topuria fight.
“If that’s what the UFC wants [this fight]I know a lot of MMA fans want this fight, I’m ready for it. (h/t MMA fighting)
Makhachev believes he is a top candidate to headline the upcoming post-Ramadan White House card.
“One of the arenas where I might fight next,” Makhachev said.
“We have the month of Ramadan, I am not going to train for a month. Then I will slowly start my training camp and I will be ready. White House [or] other dates, I will be ready.
But Makhachev still has a big fight that stands in the way of a possible matchup with Topuria. Following Justin Gaethje’s interim lightweight title win at UFC 324, he appears set to face Topuria for the unified championship later this year.
Which fight do you want to headline at UFC White House? Let us know in the comments!
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