Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria could be revisited soon.
That fight was initially in the works for Sunday’s UFC event on the White House lawn, with the Spaniard targeting a third divisional title by challenging the Dagestani.
Makhachev had apparently picked up an injury, forcing those plans to be scrapped. In response, Topuria is now set to meet Justin Gaethje in a lightweight title unification bout instead.
The featherweight and lightweight champion hasn’t lost sight of a future move up, and Dana White recently hinted it could happen sooner rather than later.
Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev is ‘possible’ after UFC White House, says Dana White
Dana White has never been shy about shutting down fight talk before and after events. And that hasn’t changed in the build-up to Topuria’s clash with Gaethje. Even so, some fans think his recent comments suggest a super-fight could still be on the cards.
Topuria had originally set his sights on Makhachev back when he was still competing at featherweight.
Speaking during an appearance on the Full Send Podcast, the UFC president was asked if ‘El Matador’ could move up again if he gets past Gaethje.
“Anything’s possible,” White said with a smirk.
Topuria wants to become a three-division champion, and White doesn’t seem likely to stand in the way of such a big match-up against Makhachev.
The Dagestani then moved up to welterweight, prompting Topuria to label him a “coward.” But that didn’t stop Makhachev from pursuing success in his new division. He captured the 170-pound title by defeating Jack Della Maddalena last November.
For now, both men have other opponents to focus on. Topuria is preparing for his main event against Gaethje in Washington, D.C., while Makhachev is expected to defend his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry.
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