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Islam Makhachev Eyes Welterweight Gold at UFC 322 and a White House Superfight with Ilia Topuria

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Oct 29, 2025 5:57 PM ET

NEW YORK — Former UFC lightweight king Islam Makhachev says his focus is fixed on welterweight gold but he hasn’t forgotten Ilia Topuria. Makhachev (27-1) challenges champion Jack Della Maddalena (18-2) for the 170-pound title at UFC 322, Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden. He vacated his lightweight belt in May to make the move, ending a four-defense reign and opening the door for Topuria (17-0) to seize 155 after knocking out Charles Oliveira in June.

“Which fight is bigger than this?”

Makhachev welcomed Topuria’s public interest in meeting at 170 pounds especially if it can headline the UFC’s historic White House event targeted for June 14.

“I saw the [Oliveira] fight; he’s good,” Makhachev told ESPN. “He wants to fight at the White House, and I also want to be there… I know the UFC wants to do some big fight in the White House. Which fight is going to be bigger than this?”

Topuria is expected to defend his lightweight belt once more before any move up. The UFC has yet to announce bouts for the White House card.

Islam Makhachev wants to fight Ilia Topuria at the White House

"He wants to fight in White House, I also want to be there. It's gonna be big fight for MMA community. If UFC want this fight, we can do this.

Which fight gonna be bigger than this?"

(via @espnmma) pic.twitter.com/MEDrEuLZS1

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 27, 2025

Why 170 now: the cut was draining

Makhachev said the brutal lightweight cut kept him from showing his full arsenal.

“No one who cuts like 22 pounds recovers 100%,” he said. “I was still feeling it for the fight, maybe 70% or 60%, because it’s so hard to recover in 30 hours.”

Stakes at UFC 322

Title on the line: Welterweight championship vs. Della Maddalena
Legacy angle: Win at 170 sets up pound-for-pound stakes vs. Topuria at a catchweight or full welterweight
PPV magnet: A Makhachev–Topuria showdown at the White House would be among the sport’s biggest events

For now, the path is simple: beat Della Maddalena, grab the strap, and keep the door open for a superfight with Topuria that could define 2026.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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