Makhachev nodded to Topuria's challenge at the White House

Ilia Topuria (left) is in good form.

Makhachev officially accepted Topuria's challenge - a confrontation that could become the biggest match in UFC history, scheduled to take place at the White House on June 14, 2026. Previously, "El Matador" (nickname Topuria) announced that he wanted to step into the ring with the Dagestan champion to fight for the welterweight title in the "super event" that UFC President Dana White is nurturing. It was not until journalist Brett Okamoto (ESPN) asked the question that Makhachev spoke up: he was ready, if the UFC agreed and the conditions were met.

The prerequisite is that Makhachev must defeat Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, taking place on November 16 at Madison Square Garden (New York). This match will be for the welterweight title - the title that Makhachev is aiming for after actively giving up the lightweight belt to try his hand at a higher weight class, with the goal of becoming a "double king". If he wins, the door to confront Topuria will be wide open.

“The UFC wants to hold big fights at the White House. And what could be bigger than this fight?”, Makhachev said of Topuria.

Makhachev has not fought much, so if he wins the belt, he can wait until June 2026 to face Topuria. “He wants to fight in the White House, and so do I. This fight would be a milestone for the MMA community. The fans want it, and if the UFC wants it, we can make it happen,” Islam added.

Makhachev (right) nodded to Topuria's challenge at the White House.

Moving up to welterweight, Makhachev admitted he felt “happier” without the harsh weight-cutting, which helped him feel more relaxed in training. “If Topuria moves up, that’s great for me. But if I have to drop down to lightweight, Dana White will have to pay more,” he half-joked. This is also a good sign for Topuria, who is eager to become the first fighter in UFC history to win championships in three weight classes.

However, it won’t be easy for “El Matador” either. After winning the lightweight title on June 29, Topuria has yet to defend it. The UFC will likely require him to hold the title at least once before moving up a division – similar to his journey in the featherweight division.

Topuria is rumored to be back in the ring in January 2026, when the UFC's new broadcasting deal with Paramount begins. His preferred opponent is Paddy Pimblett, but if the date is pushed back, Arman Tsarukyan, who faces Dan Hooker on November 22, could get a shot at the belt if he wins.

With just one more win for each, the MMA world will witness a dream match between two charismatic champions - the most anticipated fight in years, one that could rival the legendary fights in UFC history. And as Topuria once quipped: “If Makhachev loses to Della Maddalena, he’d better go back to his farm in Dagestan and herd sheep.”

Source: https://znews.vn/makhachev-gat-dau-truoc-loi-thach-dau-cua-topuria-tai-nha-trang-post1597799.html