Jul 28, 2018; Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Islam Makhachev (blue gloves) defeats Kajan Johnson (red gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

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Islam Makhachev Willing To Fight Ilia Topuria At Lightweight; But It’s Going To Cost Dana White Big!

Islam Makhachev dominated the lightweight division for years before vacating his title in May 2025. The Dagestani grappling wizard defended his championship four times against the division’s best contenders successfully. But the weight cut to 155 pounds became increasingly unbearable as his body matured.

Makhachev moved up to welterweight permanently and now challenges Jack Della Maddalena for the 170-pound title at UFC 322. Fighting at a more natural weight should allow him to perform at full capacity finally. But Ilia Topuria’s emergence as lightweight champion creates an interesting scenario for everyone involved.

The undefeated Spanish-Georgian star knocked out Charles Oliveira to claim the vacant title in June. He had been calling out Makhachev, even proposing that he would move to welterweight to fight him. And apparently, Islam Makhachev is willing as well, either at welterweight or lightweight, but with some added requirements.

The former champion made his financial demands crystal clear during an interview with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto. His willingness to return to 155 pounds depends entirely on the size of his payday.

Islam Makhachev Explains His Position On Lightweight Return

Islam Makhachev spoke candidly with ESPN journalist Brett Okamoto about what it would take to fight at lightweight again. He emphasized that the weight cut has become increasingly difficult as his body has gotten older. Makhachev revealed he was cutting approximately 22 pounds before each lightweight fight, which is substantial. That dramatic weight reduction left him feeling depleted and never fully recovered by fight night. He estimated competing at only 60-70% of his capabilities because of the brutal cut’s effects.

Now that Makhachev has experienced training camps without that weight cut burden, returning feels even less appealing. He knows how much better his body feels carrying more natural weight heading into competition. Fighting at welterweight eliminates the misery of dehydration, starvation, and physical depletion entirely. But Makhachev acknowledged that the right opportunity could change his mind about dropping back down. That opportunity specifically involves Ilia Topuria and a massive financial incentive from Dana White directly.

“If Dana White wants me back at 155 to fight Ilia Topuria; he is going to have to pay me for it.”

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Makhachev stated that he would require significant compensation from the UFC to make the lightweight return worthwhile. He is ready to fight at UFC White House card. The payday would need to justify the suffering involved in cutting 22 pounds again safely after having bulked to welterweight. Dana White will need to open the UFC’s checkbook wide if he wants this superfight at 155 pounds. Makhachev isn’t going to sacrifice his health and performance for a standard purse anymore. He’s earned the right to demand top dollar given his championship pedigree and drawing power.

(Image Credit: Sergei Belski – Imagn Images)

Dana White

Ilia Topuria

Islam Makhachev

UFC White House

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!