Makhachev’s Coach Calls Topuria Showdown the Biggest Fight in MMA Right Now

A potential super fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria is no longer just a fantasy—it’s quickly becoming the most anticipated showdown in all of mixed martial arts. With both men reigning at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings, their collision course seems inevitable. According to Coach Javier Mendez, the mastermind behind Makhachev’s rise, this is not only a dream matchup—it’s the biggest fight the UFC can make right now.

After months of speculation, shifting weight divisions, and jaw-dropping performances, the pieces are finally falling into place for a battle that could transcend the sport.

From Doubt to Destiny: The Rise of Ilia Topuria

When Mendez spoke about Ilia Topuria last year, his tone was measured. At the time, the Georgian-Spanish fighter was making waves in the featherweight division, but Mendez didn’t believe he was ready for a name like Makhachev.

That all changed in the past year.

Topuria first shocked the world by knocking out Max Holloway, a feat no one else had ever accomplished. He followed it up by moving up in weight and flattening former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, seizing the vacant 155-pound title Makhachev had recently vacated in pursuit of welterweight glory.

With two belts in two divisions and a growing fanbase, Topuria has become one of the UFC’s most marketable champions—and, perhaps more importantly, a legitimate threat to Makhachev.

Javier Mendez: “This Is the No. 1 Fight”

Mendez’s recent remarks leave no doubt about where he stands. Speaking to Hablemos MMA, he declared:

“I think every fan wants to watch this fight. It’s the No. 1 fight, No. 1. The other one was Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall – that was No. 1. But right now, if Islam wins, the No. 1 fight to make is Topuria vs. Islam.”

For Mendez to place this bout ahead of a heavyweight showdown between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall speaks volumes. This isn’t just about rankings or titles—it’s about legacy, stylistic intrigue, and two fighters at the peak of their powers.

The Road to the Super Fight

Currently, Islam Makhachev is preparing for what could be the most important fight of his career: a shot at the UFC welterweight title, currently held by Jack Della Maddalena. No official date has been announced, but it’s expected to take place later this year.

If Makhachev succeeds in becoming a two-division champion, just like Topuria, the path will be clear for a champion vs. champion mega-fight at either 155 or 170 pounds.

“The first thing Islam wanted was a legacy fight – he wanted the welterweight title,” said Mendez. “Now if we win the welterweight title, we can go down or he can come up.”

This versatility adds even more appeal to the potential showdown, giving the UFC multiple options for when and where to stage the bout.

Topuria Talks Bold – and Mendez Doesn’t Mind

While Makhachev is generally calm and calculated, Topuria has been fiery, outspoken, and relentless in calling for this fight. He’s even claimed he could submit Makhachev, widely regarded as one of the most dominant grapplers in UFC history.

Some critics may see Topuria’s confidence as brash, but Mendez views it differently.

“I like what he’s been doing,” said Mendez. “He’s doing a good job at getting people to want to watch the fight. The more Ilia does, the more people want to see this fight… I like everything he’s doing as a fighter.”

Topuria’s attitude, strength, and disregard for weight class boundaries have made him a rare kind of superstar—one who seems comfortable fighting anyone, anywhere, and backing it up with highlight-reel performances.

Why This Fight Matters More Than Ever

A bout between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria wouldn’t just be a clash of styles or titles—it would be a battle between two dynasties in the making. Makhachev represents the continuation of the Dagestani era started by Khabib Nurmagomedov, while Topuria is carving out his own legacy as the most fearsome Spanish-speaking fighter in UFC history.

Their skillsets contrast in fascinating ways:

• Makhachev is the calculated, smothering grappler with technical striking and elite fight IQ.

• Topuria is the powerful, explosive finisher who can end fights with one punch—or lock in a submission in seconds.

Both are undeniably elite, and both are hunting legacy-defining moments.

What Needs to Happen First

Before the UFC can green-light this blockbuster fight, a few conditions must be met:

1. Makhachev must win the welterweight title against Della Maddalena.

2. Topuria must remain active or defend one of his titles, ideally maintaining his dual-champion status.

3. The UFC must see the financial upside, which is already evident given the growing fan demand.

Should those pieces align, the UFC could very well stage one of the biggest fights in promotional history, possibly at a massive international venue like Madison Square Garden, T-Mobile Arena, or even a stadium in Spain or Abu Dhabi.

Final Thoughts: A Pound-for-Pound Super Fight in the Making

In a sport where dream fights often dissolve due to timing, injuries, or negotiations, Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria feels like fate. Both men are in their primes, hold world titles, and possess the kind of magnetism that can draw casual fans and purists alike.

Javier Mendez is right—if Islam wins the welterweight title, this is the No. 1 fight to make in the UFC. It’s a showdown that promises fireworks, history, and perhaps even a shift in the pound-for-pound hierarchy.

All eyes now turn to Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena—a pivotal fight that could unlock the next great chapter in UFC history.

Because if Makhachev wins, Topuria will be waiting. And the world will be watching.