Ilia Topuria suggests how to make Islam Makhachev super-fight happen without welterweight move

Ilia Topuria has explained how he and Islam Makhachev could compete for the pound-for-pound number one spot without a belt on the line.

The Georgian and his Russian rival are now both two-weight UFC champions after winning gold at featherweight and welterweight respectively as well as the lightweight belt. However, as a one-time bantamweight, it is likely too far of a step for Topuria to step up to 170lb.

Instead, he has pitched that the pair could both leave their belts at home and compete at a catchweight. The winner would then be crowned the undisputed pound-for-pound number one, despite it not being for an official title.

Ilia Topuria makes the case for Islam Makhachev catchweight showdown

Ilia Topuria’s entire reason for initially moving up to lightweight, aside from ditching the brutal featherweight cut, was a pursuit of an Islam Makhachev super-fight. Unfortunately, the Russian also wanted a second belt, and his leaving the division is what allowed the Georgian to fight for a title.

Now, Topuria has suggested a bout where the pair make a catchweight above lightweight but below welterweight. They then fight for a new belt, which is unique to the pound-for-pound number one in the sport.

Who should Islam Makhachev fight next?

“I have nothing on the horizon,” he told KOlmenero of a planned January return to the octagon, before pitching his idea. “I can sense things as always and it depends on me, right? Whoever wants to fight, in the end both parties’ interests come into play and we’ll see what happens.”

He expects Paddy Pimblett to be his next opponent, but noted that his dream fight is an unprecedented challenge for a third title against Makhachev.

“The fight I would really like to have is against Islam Makhachev in the third weight division,” he continued. “Maybe I’ll have a fight and then in the summer there’s a date when they’ll let me move up a weight class so I can fight for the third belt.

“Or maybe they’ll create a new belt called the Pound-for-Pound title at a catchweight, so I’ll fight for that Pound-for-Pound belt. So let’s see, there are many options as always and let’s see what the future holds.”