UFC CEO Dana White is perpetually scanning the horizon, identifying the high-stakes matchups that ignite fan interest and drive the sport forward. His latest contemplation involves a fascinating potential cross-divisional collision: Lightweight king Islam Makhachev and Featherweight powerhouse Ilia Topuria.
Makhachev currently holds the undisputed championship belt in the lightweight division, a title he has successfully defended. However, his ambition reportedly extends to capturing gold in a second weight class. Plans are underway for Makhachev to potentially challenge for the welterweight title later in 2025, with speculation frequently pointing to an encounter with the formidable Jack Della Maddalena. Should Makhachev succeed in this significant undertaking, the landscape of potential superfights would dramatically shift.
Concurrently, Ilia Topuria has solidified his position as the dominant force in the featherweight division. “El Matador” has recently showcased his devastating finishing ability and technical prowess by defeating elite competitors like former champions Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. Topuria remains undefeated at 17-0, and at 28 years old, his trajectory points towards superstardom. It is important to note that Topuria currently holds the Featherweight title and is not the Lightweight champion, contrary to some reports.
White sees Makhachev`s potential success in the welterweight division as a direct path to a showdown with Topuria. According to White, “If Islam wins the [welterweight] title, you immediately have a superfight with him and Ilia.” This proposed matchup would pit a potential two-division champion (Makhachev) against the reigning champion from a lower division (Topuria), fitting the classic criteria for a high-profile “superfight” that transcends standard divisional bouts.
Yet, White, ever the pragmatist informed by years of experience (and occasional headaches), injected a dose of reality into the speculative discussion. He emphasized the conditional nature of planning such major bouts. “It’s one thing to sit around and talk about these fights before they happen or hypothetically speaking. I don’t like hypothetical,” White remarked, highlighting that these matchups remain theoretical “options that we have if things play out that way.” He pointed to recent disappointments, such as the highly anticipated Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall heavyweight unification bout failing to materialize, as a stark reminder that even the most seemingly certain fights can crumble due to unforeseen circumstances. The fight business, it seems, rarely adheres strictly to even the most compelling theoretical blueprints.
Despite the inherent uncertainties of future bookings, White could not contain his admiration for Topuria`s recent performances within the featherweight division. He described Topuria`s showings as “incredible” and “absolutely unbelievable,” praising his ability not only to defeat top-tier opponents like Volkanovski and Holloway but also, in some instances, to predict the outcome and method of victory. This level of confidence and execution has rapidly elevated Topuria`s standing in the sport.
In conclusion, while a potential superfight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria hinges on a series of significant future events, particularly Makhachev`s challenging quest for a second title at welterweight, the mere possibility is enough to generate considerable excitement among fight enthusiasts. Dana White`s comments offer a tantalizing glimpse into the potential future landscape of the UFC, serving as a reminder that while dream matchups are always on the conversational horizon, their ultimate realization remains a complex and often unpredictable process.
