Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Islam Makhachev Teases Ilia Topuria Clash – Post-Fight Weigh-In to Dictate His Fate

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Islam Makhachev is set for a huge test in November 2025. On November 15, he challenges Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC welterweight title at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garde,, New York. The former lightweight champ vacated his 155-pound belt to move up to 170 pounds and chase two-division glory. This fight marks Makhachev’s first at welterweight, where he faces the undefeated Aussie striker in a bid to join elite company like Alex Pereira. A win could open doors to dream matchups, including one with rising star Ilia Topuria.

Weight Check to Decide Topuria Fight Spot

Makhachev says his pos-fight weight will guide his next move against Topuria. “To make the fight (against Topuria) at 155 it’s gonna be hard, but 170, if I take belt, I will be ready for anything.” he stated in a recent interview with weighingin.

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After bulking for welterweight, Makhachev wants to assess how his body feels at 170 pounds. If he stays comfortable there, the bout could happen at welterweight, provided that Topuria wants to move up. But if cutting back to lightweight suits better, he might drop down, even though Topuria has made it clear that he want Makhachev to get in line, if he wants to fight for the lightweight title.

This smart approach shows Makhachev’s focus on health and performance, avoiding rushed decisions that could hurt his career.

Islam Makhachev Wants to Take on Topuria At the White House

Even though Makhachev has to face Jack Della Maddalena first, the noise involving a potential fight between him and Topuria is just too much to ignore. Recently, Makhachev addressed the hype and said he wants to fight Topuria at the White House.

“Ilia wants to fight at the White House. I want to. It’s gonna be big fight for MMA community. Which fight gonna be bigger than this?” he said. Topuria, now lightweight champ after knocking out Charles Oliveira, has trash-talked Makhachev for quite a while.

Both fighter see the matchup as historic, possibly at a special UFC event at the White House in 2026. Makhachev believes it would draw huge crowds and boost the sport, pitting his grappling against Topuria’s knockout power. Fans, analysts, and the entire MMA community agrees that it’s the superfight everyone craves to see.

Ilia Topuria

Islam Makhachev

UFC

UFC White House

Eric Divakaran

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nfl

mma

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