After the chaos of UFC 321, which is extensively being thought to be 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 change into 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 underneath 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 Value
In a current 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 large White Home card in June 2026.
When requested in regards to the potential superfight with the Spaniard, Makhachev mentioned, “He desires to battle in White Home, I additionally need to be there. It’s gonna be large battle for the MMA group.”
Islam able to face Ilia within the White Home 🇺🇸🔥
When requested if it’s the most important battle within the UFC proper now, Islam mentioned —“ He need to battle within the White Home and I additionally need to be there.”“ I believe, yeah, it’s gonna be large for the MMA group.”“ If UFC desires this battle, we… pic.twitter.com/2Ybg6pA4ky
— Pink Nook MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 27, 2025
He then spoke in regards to the magnitude of such a matchup, including, “If the UFC need this battle, we are able to do that. I do know the UFC need to do an enormous battle on the White Home, which battle is gonna be greater than this? I’ve an excellent battle now and I do know Ilia goes battle quickly. We’ll see what’s going to be occurring.”
Apparently, Makhachev even hinted that he would possibly take into account making the reduce 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 onerous. Dana White has to pay for this.”
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Islam Makhachev says Dana White has to pay him if he desires the battle with Ilia Topuria at 155 😂
“170 goes to be higher for me. If I’ve to chop to 155, it’s going to be onerous. Dana White has to pay for this.”
(through @espnmma ) pic.twitter.com/AqqF5nUB2v
— Pink Nook MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 27, 2025
Okamoto additionally talked about the potential benefit of Makhachev’s Ramadan quick, which may naturally assist him drop some weight. To that, Makhachev responded, “Yeah, Ramadan additionally, you drop some weight, you understand. We are going to see, after the battle [UFC 322], after I cease to make use of the creatine and protein, we are going to 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 previous, many believed he would by no means return to 155lbs. Nonetheless, his newest feedback recommend that if the UFC presents the correct incentive, he might 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.
