After the chaos of UFC 321, which is broadly being considered one of many worst playing cards of 2025, followers are anticipating redemption because the promotion returns to Madison Sq. Backyard for UFC 322. Headlining the occasion, Islam Makhachev will transfer as much as welterweight to problem Jack Della Maddalena for the 170-pound title, aiming to grow to be a two-division champion. Apparently, Makhachev’s transfer has been on the radar of reigning light-weight king Ilia Topuria for a while.
The rationale for that is that the Spaniard hoped to face the Dagestani at UFC 317 to chase his personal double-champ ambitions. Although Topuria achieved that feat by knocking out Charles Oliveira in beneath three minutes, his curiosity in a future showdown with Makhachev stays robust. In a twist that has followers buzzing, Makhachev has now responded positively to Topuria’s problem, setting the stage for a possible blockbuster conflict at subsequent yr’s White Home occasion.
Islam Makhachev Open to Dealing with Ilia Topuria Even at 155lbs for the Proper Worth
In a latest interview with Brett Okamoto of ESPN, Islam Makhachev fueled pleasure by addressing the opportunity of lastly dealing with Ilia Topuria. The previous light-weight champion joined the rising record of UFC stars, together with Jon Jones, Conor McGregor, and Merab Dvalishvili, who’ve all expressed curiosity in competing on the huge White Home card in June 2026.
When requested concerning the potential superfight with the Spaniard, Makhachev mentioned, “He needs to combat in White Home, I additionally wish to be there. It’s gonna be massive combat for the MMA neighborhood.”
Islam able to face Ilia within the White Home 🇺🇸🔥
When requested if it’s the largest combat within the UFC proper now, Islam mentioned —“ He wish to combat within the White Home and I additionally wish to be there.”“ I feel, yeah, it’s gonna be massive for the MMA neighborhood.”“ If UFC needs this combat, we… pic.twitter.com/2Ybg6pA4ky
— Purple Nook MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 27, 2025
He then spoke concerning the magnitude of such a matchup, including, “If the UFC need this combat, we will do that. I do know the UFC wish to do a giant combat on the White Home, which combat is gonna be greater than this? I’ve a superb combat now and I do know Ilia goes combat quickly. We’ll see what’s going to be taking place.”
Apparently, Makhachev even hinted that he may contemplate making the in the reduction of right down to light-weight for the bout. He defined, “170 goes to be higher for me. If I’ve to chop to 155, it’s going to be exhausting. Dana White has to pay for this.”
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Islam Makhachev says Dana White has to pay him if he needs the combat with Ilia Topuria at 155 😂
“170 goes to be higher for me. If I’ve to chop to 155, it’s going to be exhausting. Dana White has to pay for this.”
(through @espnmma ) pic.twitter.com/AqqF5nUB2v
— Purple Nook MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 27, 2025
Okamoto additionally talked about the potential benefit of Makhachev’s Ramadan quick, which might naturally assist him drop a few pounds. To that, Makhachev responded, “Yeah, Ramadan additionally, you drop a few pounds, you already know. We’ll see, after the combat [UFC 322], once I cease to make use of the creatine and protein, we’ll see how a lot is my weight.”
For context, Makhachev moved as much as 170lbs because of the extreme weight cuts he endured at light-weight. At 34 years outdated, many believed he would by no means return to 155lbs. Nevertheless, his newest feedback recommend that if the UFC presents the proper incentive, he could take that problem as soon as extra.
This improvement has followers buzzing, particularly after Topuria just lately reignited the dialog throughout a press convention in Georgia. The light-weight champion mentioned that if Makhachev defeats Della Maddalena on November fifteenth, he is able to face him subsequent, even when it means transferring as much as welterweight and making an attempt to seize a 3rd UFC title.
