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It is clear that the hypothetical fight between Islam Makhachev (26-1) and Ilia Topuria (16-0) in the lightweight division is one of the most anticipated fights in the UFC today. The fighters themselves know it. Both are champions in their division and confirmed as two of the stars of the mixed martial arts company. However, it does not seem imminent, although it is true that Makhachev is beginning to open up to the possible confrontation.
Islam Makhachev will face Arman Tsarukyan (22-3) this weekend at UFC 311 in a rematch of a fight that already took place in 2019, and Islam won. It will be a new title defense for Islam in very different circumstances than those experienced then... for both fighters. They have evolved and improved a lot.
If Makhachev wins, he will once again confirm himself as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC... and the dilemma will arise: move up to welterweight in search of the second belt (his declared ambition) or continue defending in featherweight. It is clear that the last word lies with the UFC and Dana White, and this is where Ilia Topuria comes in.
Could they fight as they did in 2023 in the double clash between Makhachev and Volkanovski? The lightweight belt would be on the line as the fight would take place in that division, and Makhachev now seems more willing than his negative comments in the last interviews he had given.
"Many people ask me what I think about fighting Ilia Topuria. I don't see the point in fighting for money. I have it, I don't need it. And I've already fought some guys who came from small divisions. But I haven't said no. If I clean up my division and if people want it, if Dana [White, ed.] wants it... Why not? Someday! I can do it. It will be easy," the Russian told Adin Ross' 'Kick' channel.
I didn't say no. If I clean up my division and if the people want it, if Dana wants it... Why not?
What is clear is that everything depends on the fight that Makhachev will have with Tsarukyan at UFC 311 on January 19. And then, everything points to a possible rematch between Topuria and Volkanovski at featherweight. But the possible 'mega-fight' between the 'Matador' and Islam... is there