Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC welterweight champion, is ready to take on the challenge of facing Ilia Topuria in what could be the biggest UFC card ever. But here's where it gets interesting: while Makhachev has never shied away from the matchup, the UFC's interest in making it happen is not yet confirmed. And this is the part most people miss: the UFC is planning a monumental card for the upcoming show at the White House, scheduled for June 14, which could be the perfect stage for this highly anticipated fight.
Makhachev, who claimed his title in November with a dominant victory over Jack Della Maddalena, has been a popular choice among contenders calling for a fight against him. Topuria, who won the vacant UFC lightweight title after Makhachev relinquished the belt to move to 170 pounds, has long called for that fight, which would match up two of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport against each other.
Makhachev is open to the idea, telling Telegraf, "I like this idea. If the UFC wants [this fight], I know a lot of MMA fans want this fight, I'm ready." While Topuria has already conquered two divisions at lightweight and featherweight, he's said he would be willing to go to welterweight, especially if he got the chance to face Makhachev.
Another factor that could play into this potential fight is the UFC building a monumental card for the upcoming show at the White House, which is scheduled for June 14. UFC CEO Dana White said on Tuesday that he was planning to meet with the matchmakers to begin building that event with TKO Group Holdings CEO Ari Emanuel previously revealing the card would feature "six or seven fights." As one of the most popular fighters on the roster, Makhachev seems like a prime candidate for that card and he knows it.
Makhachev said about the UFC White House card, "One of the arenas where maybe I’m going to fight next. We have the Ramadan month, I’m not going to train for one month. After that, I will slowly begin my training camp and I will be ready. White House [or] other dates, I will be ready." Ramadan starts on Feb. 17 and runs through March 19, which obviously gives Makhachev more than enough time to get ready for a June fight in Washington D.C.
There’s no telling if he’ll get one of those coveted spots at the White House but Makhachev promises he’s ready for whatever the UFC throws at him. Whether that’s Topuria or one of the many welterweights constantly calling his name, Makhachev is just waiting for word on his next fight. "In my division, a lot of contenders who deserve the title fight," Makhachev said. "UFC just has to give me a new target. That’s it. I’m just waiting."
So, will we see Makhachev vs. Topuria at the White House? It's a fight that could spark a lot of debate and discussion, and one that we'll all be watching closely. What do you think? Will Makhachev take on Topuria, or will the UFC choose a different path? Let us know in the comments!
