Makhachev Eyes Welterweight Move, Teases Potential Super Fight with Topuria
The UFC’s pound-for-pound king, Islam Makhachev, is planning a move up to the welterweight division later this year to challenge reigning champion Jake Della Maddalena. The bout is expected to take place at Madison Square Garden in New York during UFC 322.
After that fight, the Dagestani star has hinted that he’s open to facing newly crowned lightweight champion Ilia Topuria in a potential “super fight” to reclaim the lightweight belt.
Topuria has been on an impressive run, scoring consecutive knockout wins over featherweight legends Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. His momentum continued when he knocked out Charles Oliveira to claim the vacant lightweight title formerly held by Makhachev.
“There’s some intrigue with Topuria,” Makhachev said in a recent interview when asked about his plans. “I’m also interested in that fight. Maybe we can make some kind of super fight. Or, as I said, we’ll see about the weight.”
While fans might be excited at the prospect of a mega clash, Makhachev first needs to get past Della Maddalena. The Australian fighter earned his welterweight title by defeating Belal Muhammad, extending his unbeaten UFC streak to 8-0.
Meanwhile, Topuria is eyeing a comeback after a back injury sidelined him earlier this year. Makhachev emphasized that he needs to stay active before taking on the champion.
“(Topuria) wants to come back in January or February,” Makhachev’s teammate Arman Tsarukyan told Adam Zubayraev. “And I haven’t fought in a long time. So I think I’ll need to fight in October or November. I talked to the boss yesterday—they might set up a fight with someone in Abu Dhabi or Qatar…maybe Gaethje, maybe Dan Hooker, maybe Paddy.”
For now, fight fans will have to wait and see if Makhachev first conquers the welterweight division before any super-fight dreams can become reality.
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