Last Updated on February 15, 2026 by Pragjyoti Singh
A fight between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev has been one of the biggest talking points for UFC and fight fans since the Spaniard won the Featherweight title back in 2024. Topuria eventually moving up to 155 lbs after Makhachev vacated the belt to pursue the welterweight gold added more drama to an already brewing rivalry.
Now, the Dagestani, in a recent interview with Telegraf made his feelings clear on facing Topuria and also opened up on rumors of him fighting at the White House card later this year.
Islam Makhachev says he likes the idea of fighting Ilia Topuria
The rivalry between the two started when ‘El Matador’ during an Instagram Live stream before his featherweight title defense against Max Holloway, addressed brewing tensions with the Dagestani’s team, claiming that Makhachev “talked too much”. He later sent a direct message to the current welterweight champ on an Instagram post – “Let’s leave the kids out of it and settle it like adults inside the Octagon in 2025.”
Now, after months of trash talk, with Topuria even claiming he’d put former champ and Makhachev’s long-time friend and coach Khabib Nurmagomedov to sleep, we might be closer than ever to seeing a fight between the UFC’s biggest stars.
In a recent interview, the 34-year-old Russian champ finally responded to the idea of fighting Topuria.
When asked what he felt about fighting the Spaniard, he responded, “I like this idea, if UFC wants, if MMA fans want this fight, I’m ready,” said Makhachev.
Makhachev also confirmed that the White House card was one of the events that he could be slated to fight this year.
“It is one of the arena maybe I’m gonna fight next. We have Ramadan month, so I’m not training for one month. After that, I will slowly begin my training camp. I will be ready. (Fighting at) White House is an honor.”
Although a fight against Topuria might pull huge numbers, combat fans also want Makhachev, who won the 170-pound strap after beating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, to face a legit contender next.
Talks of a fight against former champ Kamaru Usman have been one of the major focuses for the Dagestani after he personally expressed his interest in fighting the 38-year-old. Besides Usman, the welterweight division, which could be considered one of the most stacked divisions, also has the likes of Michael Morales, Carlos Prates, and Ian Garry vying for a shot at the undisputed gold.
Ilia Topuria next fight: who will the UFC Lightweight champ face next?
After having his hands full with the ongoing legal tussle with ex-wife Giorgina Uzcategui, Topuria finally found some respite when he settled with his ex-partner over custody of their child. This was followed by a post claiming “The champ is back” by the Spaniard on Instagram.
While an unexpected callout from boxer Shakur Stevenson did take place, Topuria’s main focus lies on defending the 155-pound strap against interim champ Justin Gaethje, who defeated Paddy Pimblett to seal his place as the next contender in line. A likely fight against Arman Tsarukyan, who continues on an insane media run, flaunting his wealth, could also be expected down the line.
Although the likelihood of a potential fight against Islam Makhachev does seem unlikely before a fight against the interim champ, UFC, and Dana White could entertain the idea of a showdown between arguably the promotion’s two biggest stars at the moment, considering the massive fanbase both fighters have.
With Makhachev confirming his availability to fight at the White House card on June 14, the UFC match makers might still be enticed to book a fight between the two as the headliner.
Do yu ant to see Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria main event the White House card? Let us know in the comments.
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