Ilia Topuria Plans to ‘Knock Islam Out’: Ambition for an Unprecedented UFC Triple Belt

The UFC lightweight and featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria, has never hidden his ambition. But now, the undefeated Spanish-Georgian superstar has made his most audacious claim yet: a historic clash with Islam Makhachev at welterweight (170 lbs), aiming for an unprecedented third UFC world title.

Speaking to TMZ, Topuria laid out his ideal scenario:

“Ideally, I would love to see Islam getting the title and the UFC letting me go up to 170 and getting the third belt.”

It’s a bold vision, one no fighter has ever achieved in the UFC’s storied history. Two-division champions like Conor McGregor, Amanda Nunes, and Daniel Cormier left a permanent mark on the sport—but a three-division champion? That would elevate Topuria into GOAT status beyond dispute.

Topuria’s Challenge to Makhachev: “I’ll Put Him to Sleep”

Topuria didn’t stop at expressing admiration for Makhachev’s talents—he fired verbal shots, warning Islam that a fight between them wouldn’t be close.

“He knows that I’m dangerous. He knows I’m going to put him to sleep. Even Khabib (knows). The only reason they don’t want me to fight against him is because they know that I’m going to beat him.”

With these words, Topuria directly challenged not only Makhachev but the entire Dagestani dynasty, including Khabib Nurmagomedov. It’s a rare show of confidence, bordering on provocation, in a sport where few dare to call out the region’s elite grapplers.

The Perfect Scenario: A Makhachev Welterweight Title Reign

For this dream fight to materialize, Makhachev would first need to capture the UFC welterweight title, a belt currently held by Jack Della Maddalena. Makhachev, who has already defended his lightweight belt multiple times, has spoken of his own ambitions to move up and follow in Khabib’s footsteps as an all-time great.

If Makhachev can conquer 170, the stage would be set for a truly historic superfight against Topuria. It would be the first time in UFC history that two reigning multi-division champions collide for a third belt.

Why This Fight Would Be Historic

The UFC has never seen a champion hold titles in three divisions.

• Conor McGregor was the first two-division champ (featherweight, lightweight).

• Daniel Cormier and Amanda Nunes followed suit.

• But no one has ever dared to cross three weight classes successfully.

Topuria has already dominated at 145 and 155, and moving up to 170 would put him in the rarest of air. But that road runs through Islam Makhachev, whose suffocating grappling and elite fight IQ have stifled every opponent thus far.

The Battle of Styles

A clash between Topuria and Makhachev at welterweight would be a fascinating clash of styles:

• Topuria’s sharp, powerful boxing and dangerous jiu-jitsu

• Makhachev’s world-class wrestling, sambo, and top control

Physically, the question remains: can Topuria’s knockout power and speed overcome the size, strength, and relentless takedown pressure of Islam, especially in a heavier division?

The Mental Game: Confidence vs. Respect

Topuria’s confidence borders on defiance. While many give Makhachev respect for his dominance, Topuria seems unimpressed:

“They’re protecting him because they know what happens when we fight.”

For Makhachev and his coach Khabib Nurmagomedov, who have carefully built a legacy around discipline and domination, such words cannot go unanswered. But they’ll likely let their performances do the talking.

Fans React: Is This Dream Realistic?

The MMA community has responded with both excitement and skepticism:

• Some see Topuria as the rare talent capable of pulling off the impossible.

• Others question whether his frame and power will translate against welterweights who naturally cut from 185-190 pounds.

One fan wrote on social media:

“This is the fight of the century if it happens. Two monsters, two champions, no fear. Book it now!”

Another cautioned:

“Topuria is a beast, but 170 is no joke. He’s giving up size, reach, and natural weight. Makhachev could drown him.”

Will the UFC Make It Happen?

While UFC President Dana White has yet to comment publicly, such a matchup would be a blockbuster headliner capable of filling a stadium or breaking pay-per-view records.

The UFC rarely lets super fights this big slip away. If Makhachev claims a welterweight title, expect the promotional wheels to start spinning quickly for Topuria vs. Makhachev at 170.

What’s Next for Both Fighters?

For now, both men have other business to attend to:

• Topuria likely needs to defend his lightweight belt, potentially against Arman Tsarukyan.

• Makhachev may either continue defending lightweight or challenge for the welterweight crown himself.

But somewhere down the road, both camps—and fans worldwide—will be thinking of one thing: a historic clash for a third belt, eternal legacy, and undeniable greatness.

Final Thoughts: Legacy Awaits

Ilia Topuria’s ambition knows no bounds. His words have set the MMA world buzzing, but actions will speak loudest in the octagon. Whether or not Islam Makhachev steps up to meet him at 170, the mere possibility of this fight has ignited imaginations.

Greatness calls to those who dare to chase it. And for Ilia Topuria, the road to immortality may run straight through Islam Makhachev—and a third UFC belt.