Last Updated on March 15, 2026 by Pragjyoti Singh
Islam Makhachev versus Ilia Topuria is currently one of the most anticipated fights among UFC fans. While Makhachev has stated he is open to the matchup if the promotion moves forward with it, the UFC has currently booked the lightweight champion for a title defense against Justin Gaethje at the White House event in June.
In a recent interview, Daniel Cormier discussed the high stakes of this potential bout, which could decide the current pound-for-pound king.
Daniel Cormier sums up Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria
In an interview with Prince St. Pizza, Cormier called a fight between Makhachev and Topuria the “biggest and best fight” the UFC could book, regardless of weight class. Fans would generally agree, as the Dagestani and the Georgian currently sit at number one and number two in the pound-for-pound rankings.
“I think Islam vs Topuria might be the biggest and best fight the UFC can put on in any weight class, just because they’re both so elite,” said DC.
Interestingly, the fight was close to becoming a reality, as Topuria’s manager recently revealed behind-the-scenes discussions with the UFC during negotiations for the White House event in June.
As per Malki Kawa, Topuria’s manager, they had initially accepted an offer to fight Makhachev which ultimately failed to materialize. Kawa claimed the money involved was too small for the lightweight champ to fight Makhachev.
“They gave us a number. We said absolutely not. And then we didn’t hear anything after that. The money that was offered was so small.”
While this came as a disappointment for fans, Cormier still believes the value the fight offers cannot be compared to any other fight. DC backed this claim up with the idea that Makhachev and Topuria were the two best fighters in the promotion currently.
“I don’t know if we have two better fighters in the UFC that deserve it,” claimed Cormier.
Islam Makhachev’s UFC return on hold due to injury
Dana White, during the Zuffa Boxing 04 post-fight press conference, revealed that Islam Makhachev was currently nursing a hand injury.
When asked about a potential fight between Makhachev and Topuria, White responded, “I don’t know, he’s got some hand issues, I know that.”
For the welterweight contenders like Michael Morales and Ian Garry, this could potentially mean a number one contender fight to decide who gets a shot at the 170 lbs. strap.
Not surprisingly, Topuria also had a few harsh words for Dagestani. On a post on X, the Georgian blasted Makhachev for coming up with an ‘excuse’.
“Once again Islam comes up with an excuse. This time it’s an injury,” wrote Topuria.
The lightweight champ claimed the UFC offered him a fight with Makhachev, which he initially accepted, only to find out about the injury later.
“When they finally told me I would be on the White House card, they mentioned Islam and I didn’t hesitate for a second to accept the fight. Even though the fight hadn’t been officially confirmed yet, the White House card was going to be announced the next day. And when I woke, I found out that Islam had gotten injured.”
Topuria also took the opportunity to send a message to Justin Gaethje, whom he claims he doesn’t want to humiliate.
“Once again, someone else who will pay for Islam’s escape. Both of their manager is a bi-ch and also ugly as hell. Justin, see you at the White House. I’m not someone who humiliates people. It will be quick. When you wake up, everything will already be over,” wrote Topuria.
UFC Freedom 250 will take place on June 14, 2026, and is expected to break previous UFC viewership records, with the likes of Alex Pereira and Cyril Gane also fighting on the card.
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