The Dream Title Fight? Makhachev Comments on a Potential Fight with Chimaev

The UFC landscape has always thrived on super-fights, and fans may have just been teased with one of the most intriguing matchups in recent memory. Former UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, long regarded as one of the most technically complete fighters in mixed martial arts, recently spoke out about the possibility of facing newly crowned UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev. With both fighters carrying undefeated streaks in the UFC, massive followings, and reputations as dominant grapplers, a potential clash could generate headlines worldwide and set new standards for the sport’s biggest events.

Makhachev, who is currently preparing for a likely shot at Jack Della Maddalena’s welterweight title later this year, responded diplomatically when asked about Chimaev’s bold comments. The Chechen-born Swedish fighter had recently declared that the fastest way for him to become the #1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world would be to defeat Islam Makhachev. Considering both men’s dominance and the historical significance of such a meeting, the possibility has already set the MMA community abuzz.

Makhachev’s Careful Response

When pressed at a press conference about whether he would consider fighting Chimaev, Makhachev kept his answer respectful and measured.

“I’m answering this question here. I don’t want to open the door to any kind of conflict between our people,” Makhachev said, hinting at the shared regional and cultural background that makes this potential fight more sensitive than most.

“Well, we will see,” he added with a slight smile. “I have a tough fight ahead.”

That “tough fight” is expected to be against Jack Della Maddalena, the undefeated Australian who claimed the UFC Welterweight Championship by defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. Maddalena is riding an 18-fight win streak and has yet to taste defeat inside the Octagon. For Makhachev, the bout represents a chance to achieve double-champion status, something few fighters in UFC history have accomplished. But beyond Maddalena, the shadow of a Chimaev clash looms as a storyline too big to ignore.

Khamzat Chimaev’s Rise to Middleweight Champion

Chimaev’s star power has skyrocketed in recent years. Bursting onto the scene with three dominant UFC victories in just over two months, he quickly established himself as a once-in-a-generation talent. His relentless pressure, powerful wrestling, and fearless striking turned him into a fan favorite and a nightmare opponent.

At UFC 319, Chimaev reached the pinnacle by defeating Dricus du Plessis to capture the middleweight title. His performance was nothing short of historic. Chimaev recorded 12 takedowns, logged nearly 22 minutes of ground control, and landed an astonishing 529 total strikes en route to a lopsided decision victory. The fight was one of the most one-sided title wins in modern UFC history, cementing his place as the man to beat at 185 lbs.

What surprised many, however, was his level of composure. Instead of chasing a finish, Chimaev appeared content to dominate Du Plessis without expending unnecessary energy. “I was impressed by his domination,” Makhachev admitted. “I think he was conserving his energy. He never forced anything. He wasn’t even putting power into his strikes. His goal was just to become UFC champion. If he wanted to, he could’ve forced the finish. But I was surprised he took him down so easily and was able to control him for so long.”

Why a Makhachev vs Chimaev Fight Would Be Massive

There are several reasons why a showdown between Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev would instantly become one of the biggest fights in UFC history:

1. Pound-for-Pound Implications – Both men sit among the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Makhachev, the former lightweight king, still holds the record for most lightweight title defenses, while Chimaev has just claimed gold at middleweight. A fight between them could determine the undisputed best fighter on the planet.

2. Fan Interest – Combined, the two stars have over 20 million followers on Instagram, a reflection of their global fanbases. Both have cult-like followings across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, guaranteeing massive pay-per-view numbers.

3. Stylistic Matchup – Both fighters are dominant grapplers with elite wrestling and submission skills. However, Chimaev holds a size and power advantage, while Makhachev brings technical precision, experience, and a track record of beating world champions. It would be a classic clash of raw physicality versus technical mastery.

4. Historical Significance – The UFC has rarely booked fights between champions of adjacent weight classes, let alone champions separated by two divisions. If Makhachev defeats Maddalena at welterweight and then moves up to face Chimaev, it would be a historic attempt to claim titles in three different divisions.

The Challenges of Making It Happen

Of course, making such a fight a reality will not be easy. First, Makhachev must win his fight against Jack Della Maddalena, which is far from guaranteed. Maddalena is one of the most dangerous strikers in the division and has shown the ability to fend off takedowns, something Makhachev typically relies on.

Second, the UFC must navigate the political and cultural sensitivities of matching two fighters with similar backgrounds. Makhachev’s comments about avoiding “conflict between our people” highlighted how complex such a fight could be outside of the Octagon.

Finally, Chimaev has his own challenges at middleweight. The division is stacked with contenders such as Sean Strickland, Jared Cannonier, and Israel Adesanya, all of whom could demand their own title opportunities before the UFC seriously considers a cross-divisional super-fight.

What’s Next for Both Fighters?

For now, Makhachev’s focus remains on Maddalena. Should he win, his status as a two-division champion would make him the most logical opponent for Chimaev if the UFC decides to chase a super-fight. A victory would also give him the leverage to demand big-money bouts, something fighters of his caliber have often used to secure legacy-defining moments.

Chimaev, on the other hand, will likely have to defend his middleweight title at least once before entertaining such a fight. UFC President Dana White has already suggested that he wants to see Chimaev remain active at 185 lbs, especially given the momentum the division has gained since Adesanya’s reign ended.

Still, the allure of Makhachev vs Chimaev may be too strong for the UFC to ignore. Fans are already drawing comparisons to past super-fights like Georges St-Pierre vs BJ Penn, Conor McGregor vs Eddie Alvarez, and Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Conor McGregor. The difference is that this matchup pits two of the most dominant wrestlers in UFC history against each other at the peak of their careers.

Conclusion

Islam Makhachev’s calm but open response to the idea of fighting Khamzat Chimaev has only fueled speculation about one of the biggest potential bouts in MMA history. While he has a major task ahead in the form of Jack Della Maddalena, the possibility of a clash with Chimaev looms large.

Chimaev’s record-breaking domination of Du Plessis and Makhachev’s legacy as a former lightweight champion and pound-for-pound leader create the perfect storm for a fight that could define this era of mixed martial arts.

For now, the world waits. If Makhachev defeats Maddalena and Chimaev holds onto his middleweight