UFC President Dana White has finally weighed in on emerging star Ilia Topuria’s aspiration to take on Islam Makhachev at UFC welterweight, after deciding to relinquish the featherweight title recently. With huge stakes involved in three divisions, this prospective superfight is whipping up a frenzy all over the MMA universe.
Ilia Topuria Seeks Multi-Division Greatness
Undefeated phenom Ilia Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) is getting ready for the fight of his life against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira (35-10 MMA, 23-10 UFC) at UFC 317 for the vacant lightweight title. But Topuria doesn’t plan on stopping there. In a bold declaration before UFC 317’s open workouts in Las Vegas, Topuria announced his dreams of ascending higher up the ladder:
“If Islam becomes the welterweight world champion, sure thing I’m going to pursue that fight and I will move to the welterweight division.”
Topuria is eyeing membership in the exclusive club of three-division UFC champions, and Islam Makhachev is also in his long-term vision.
Islam Makhachev’s Welterweight Dreams
Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) is reported to be building towards his move up to the UFC welterweight division, where he might contest current champion Jack Della Maddalena in a high-profile title fight later this year.
Victory for Makhachev could win him two-division championship status, paving the way for a future Topuria vs Makhachev showdown at 170 lbs, potentially one of the most massive superfights in UFC history.
Dana White Gives Guarded Reaction to Topuria’s Ambition
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Speaking to the media after the UFC on ABC 8 post-fight press conference, Dana White took to addressing the hoopla surrounding Topuria’s multi-division aspirations.
“Listen, we’ll see what this thing does,” White replied. “He just moved up. We’re already discussing him going to 170? I mean, he just moved up. Let’s see him in this fight, and we’ll see Islam. They want to fight one another.”
While Dana White didn’t dismiss the idea, his comments were a reminder that both fighters have immediate hurdles to overcome before such a blockbuster bout can be confirmed.
What’s at Stake for Topuria and Makhachev
Ilia Topuria: A win over Charles Oliveira would make him a two-division UFC champion and significantly bolster his legacy.
Islam Makhachev: A successful UFC welterweight debut could establish him as a dominant force across multiple weight classes.
If both contenders win their respective upcoming bouts, Dana White could have no other option but to approve of this eagerly anticipated welterweight bout.
A Superfight Brewing?
Even if it is still speculative, everything indicates that a Topuria vs Makhachev welterweight fight is a real possibility. For now, fans look forward to two pivotal fights: Topuria vs Oliveira at UFC 317 and Makhachev’s potential welterweight title bout
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