“Out of control”: Islam Makhachev finally responds to Ilia Topuria’s White House challenge
Months of tension between UFC stars Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria come to a head ahead of a potential White House fight.
A fight that could shake the foundations of mixed martial arts, possibly the most significant in UFC history, is closer than ever. Until now, Islam Makhachev had consistently dismissed Ilia Topuria’s invitations and even downplayed his abilities. But on Monday, the Dagestani finally picked up the gauntlet thrown by the Hispanic-Georgian fighter.
“I want to fight Makhachev at the White House,” Topuria had said just over a week ago. After a few days of silence, Makhachev’s response was clear. “He wants to fight at the White House, and I also want to do that. It’s going to be a big fight for the MMA community. If the UFC wants this fight, we can do it. Which fight is going to be bigger than this?”
When could Topuria face Makhachev at the White House?
From this moment on, June 14, 2026, the date of the UFC event at the White House, is firmly marked for every MMA fan. The matchup between Topuria and Makhachev, currently ranked number one and two pound-for-pound, respectively, is what fans have been dreaming about. Topuria, in particular, has long sought this fight, fueling a rivalry that goes back years.
“Of course I see myself in a fight against Makhachev. He’s a great fighter. Sometimes he talks too much, sometimes he doesn’t... but we can always settle it in the octagon. Not on the streets, because I’d have to pay for all his recovery,” Topuria said early last year.
From tension to agreement
Those words didn’t sit well with Makhachev or his camp, led by the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov. The response was firm. “If Topuria keeps this up, he could get out of control. Something could happen. So far, I’ve never seen anyone cross a personal line like this,” Makhachev warned.
Until now, he had opposed any fight with Topuria. “The future of Makhachev does not include Topuria,” his manager Ali Abdelaziz stated in January. In May, Makhachev himself dismissed the possibility: “You’re nobody in the lightweight division, just a loudmouth from Spain with a nice haircut.” But his stance appears to have shifted.
Topuria eyes historic third UFC belt
For Topuria, the potential fight represents a chance to claim UFC titles in three weight classes, a long-term goal. He has already conquered featherweight with a knockout of Alexander Volkanovski and lightweight by defeating Charles Oliveira. Now, the welterweight belt is in his sights.
“No one has ever fought for a third belt. Islam dominated lightweight and then moved up in weight, so I think this would be an incredible fight,” Topuria said.
Topuria and Makhachev’s next fights
Before the White House showdown, Topuria will defend his lightweight title, with Paddy Pimblett likely his next challenger. Meanwhile, Makhachev will face Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322.
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