Islam vs Ilia | UFC
Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria in 2026?
It looks like the highly anticipated Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria showdown is off the table for now — but what seems like a disappointment might actually be a blessing in disguise for both fighters and for the UFC.
With UFC 315 in the books, and Belal Muhammad out of the title picture, let’s see how Makhachev vs Topuria can still play out someday soon:
JDM | Getty Images
Makhachev Moves to Welterweight for Gold
Islam is moving up to 170 pounds to face Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title. If he wins, he becomes a two-division UFC champion — joining one of the most exclusive clubs in MMA history. From a legacy standpoint, this could mean more than defending against Topuria right now.
Oliveira vs Makhachev | Chris Unger, Zuffa
Topuria Gets Charles Oliveira
Ilia Topuria ends up facing Charles Oliveira instead — a fighter who, while dangerous, presents a stylistically more favorable matchup than Makhachev. Let’s be honest: Islam is a tier above most lightweights when it comes to grappling dominance and control. A win over Oliveira could earn Ilia his own UFC gold.
Photo | Boxing & MMA Empire
Then Comes the Real Superfight
Now imagine this: Makhachev holds the welterweight belt, and Topuria holds the lightweight strap — or even an interim version. Suddenly, their clash becomes a historic champion vs. champion superfight, potentially the biggest bout in the UFC by 2026. Both will be at the peak of their fame and power.
💣 This could be a slow-burn megafight in the making — and truthfully, it might be even better for Topuria. If Islam drops back to lightweight afterward, he’ll face his toughest weight cut yet. Meanwhile, Ilia will have fully adjusted to the division.
💭 Just picture the headline:
“UFC CHAMPION VS. UFC CHAMPION. TWO WEIGHT CLASSES. TWO KILLERS.”
You can bet Dana White’s already sweating with excitement at that idea.
⚠️ Of course, this path is risky too — Jack Della Maddalena at 170 is no easy task. If Islam loses, he’ll return to lightweight anyway… and the Topuria fight will still happen. So why burn that superfight now — when you could cash it in twice?
Want to know more about each event? Visit homeoffight.com or any of our social media accounts for more articles, fighter interviews, and plenty of more coverage. Enjoy the fights, let us know how you’ll be watching!
