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Ilia Topuria tells Islam Makhachev the biggest fight in history will collapse if he loses at UFC 322

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 5:31 PM ET

It may be more than just the welterweight title on the line for Islam Makhachev at UFC 322.

After making his final defense of the lightweight belt this past January, a new chapter in Makhachev’s career will finally get underway in New York City on November 15.

In the UFC 322 main event, Makhachev will challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the throne at 170 pounds. By chasing two-division glory, the Dagestani is looking to achieve a feat that his mentor, the great Khabib Nurmagomedov, did not attempt.

For now, becoming the latest double champion in MMA’s leading promotion will be the main motivation driving Makhachev. But the ex-lightweight king’s successor insists victory at Madison Square Garden is important for another reason.

The difference between you and me is that I am a man and you are a coward. I speak and fight. you talk and hide. Run away far, leaving no trace. Ты маленький пацан. https://t.co/kDuhhdIB8t
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) May 15, 2025

Ilia Topuria will only fight Islam Makhachev if he becomes UFC welterweight champion

Ilia Topuria has targeted Makhachev this year, berating his fellow UFC star for leaving the 155-pound division upon confirmation of his move up from featherweight.

After Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, the Spaniard reignited talk of a showdown with Makhachev by teasing another increase in weight to attempt history in a third division.

For that to happen, ‘El Matador’ requires his rival to unseat Della Maddalena from welterweight’s top spot. If he does not, Topuria insists he will have no interest in fighting the man who currently stands as his main rival for the pound-for-pound throne.

“If Islam loses, he can return back to Dagestan, to his farm, and continue herding sheep,” Topuria said at a recent press conference in Georgia.

“If he wins, I will definitely rise. Definitely, 100 percent,” he added.

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Ilia Topuria wants champ vs champ White House fight against Islam Makhachev

The reigning lightweight champion thinks Makhachev should take his words seriously given what he anticipates for the pair in 2026.

Like many, Topuria wants to fight at the White House event next year. Not only does he think the rivalry with Makhachev would make for the perfect headliner, he thinks a champ vs champ showdown between the pair would top every major fight to have come before it.

“Islam Makhachev,” Topuria said when asked who he wants to fight at the celebratory event.

“This will be one of the biggest fights in UFC history. No one has ever fought for the belt in three weight categories before. Islam dominantly dealt with everyone in his division, rose, and our fight will be a fight of great magnitude.

“This is in the best interest of all, including the UFC,” he concluded.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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