Makhachev hints at Topuria superfight and agrees to fan request: “As you wish”

Islam Makhachev (27-1-0) has once again shown interest in a potential “superfight” with Ilia Topuria (17-0-0). Such a clash would be one of the biggest and most high-profile bouts the UFC has staged in years, with the Russian’s interest in facing the Spain-born Georgian steadily growing.

First, however, Makhachev will step into the octagon in November at Madison Square Garden in New York, where he challenges reigning welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena for the belt at UFC 322. At a press conference, Makhachev was asked about his plans beyond that bout, and he did not hesitate to mention Topuria’s name.

When pressed on whether his next fight would also be at welterweight, the Russian admitted he “isn’t sure” and added: “There’s some intrigue with Topuria; that fight interests me. Maybe we can do a kind of superfight.” He stopped short of confirming the weight class in which he’d want to face the undefeated “Matador.” Later, a fan asked him to return to lightweight to “smash Topuria and shut him up once and for all,” to which Makhachev replied with a smiling, “As you wish.”

How do we get Makhachev vs Topuria?

This is not the first time the former lightweight champion has spoken about sharing the cage with Topuria – a notable change, as only months ago he dismissed the idea, saying he had already given “the little guys” opportunities through his two fights with Alexander Volkanovski. Keeping the rivalry alive, Makhachev recently voiced frustration over Topuria’s rise to the No. 1 spot in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, insisting he wanted to fight him to settle that debate.

Still, much has to fall into place before that superfight can become reality. Everything depends on Makhachev’s result against Della Maddalena and Topuria’s first defense of his lightweight title, which is expected at the end of the year, though no challenger has been officially named.

In the past few days, Arman Tsarukyan has seemingly been ruled out as Topuria’s next opponent, while veteran Justin Gaethje has emerged as the frontrunner to challenge for his throne. That means if both Makhachev and Topuria come out victorious in their respective fights, the chance of the UFC setting up a showdown between the Dagestani and the Spain-based Georgian will grow significantly. The only major question left: at which weight class it would happen.

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