The super fight between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev is about to fall apart: The lightweight champion is quietly choosing a different path?

In the ever-evolving world of the UFC, careers pivot in an instant. Fighters rise, champions fall, and the trajectory of a division can change with a single decision. Right now, two stars sit at a fascinating crossroads. Islam Makhachev, the dominant UFC lightweight champion following in the footsteps of Khabib Nurmagomedov, must make some major career decisions. Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria, the featherweight sensation, has his eyes locked on a second belt. But the path to their collision may be breaking apart before it even begins.

For months, fight fans have buzzed with anticipation over a potential showdown between these two technical masters. Topuria has made his intentions clear: he wants to move up and challenge Makhachev. He’s even gone as far as claiming the Dagestani champion fears him. This isn’t the first time a featherweight king has aimed for lightweight gold. Alexander Volkanovski made two brave attempts to dethrone Makhachev. Now, fresh out of Ramadan, Islam seems to be looking in a completely different direction — leaving Topuria’s ambitious plans hanging in the balance.

Islam Makhachev’s Welterweight Dreams

Islam Makhachev appears to be seriously considering a move to welterweight, a path that even his legendary mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov never explored. According to multiple reports, Makhachev is closely watching the outcome of the UFC 315 main event between current welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and rising contender Jack Della Maddalena.

The logic is straightforward. If Muhammad retains his belt, Makhachev may stay in the lightweight division. However, if Della Maddalena emerges victorious, Islam could jump to 170 pounds and chase a second title.

The move makes strategic sense. Makhachev has already beaten most of the top contenders in his division, including Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Alexander Volkanovski. He’s now tied for the most title defenses in lightweight history. Climbing to welterweight not only bolsters his legacy but also cements him in the conversation as the greatest fighter of all time.

However, that move wouldn’t be without consequences. It would likely mean relinquishing his lightweight title, causing a ripple effect across two divisions. Fighters like Gaethje, Oliveira, and yes — Topuria — would suddenly have a shot at lightweight gold.

Ilia Topuria’s Lightweight Aspirations Meet Reality

On the other side of the equation, Ilia Topuria has not been shy about his intentions. The Spanish-Georgian phenom has publicly stated his desire to move up and directly challenge Islam Makhachev. He’s also taken shots at the champ, suggesting that Islam is ducking the fight.

However, Makhachev — and by extension Khabib — have pushed back on that notion. They insist that Topuria must prove himself in the lightweight division first. That means facing — and beating — at least one top-ranked contender before getting a title shot.

From the UFC’s perspective, this makes perfect sense. While Topuria is undefeated and the current featherweight champion, he hasn’t competed at 155 pounds. Fighters like Arman Tsarukyan, Mateusz Gamrot, or even Dustin Poirier would be logical opponents to test his readiness. Jumping straight into a superfight could set a dangerous precedent unless it’s backed by massive fan demand or financial incentives.

Why Makhachev vs Topuria May Never Happen

Timing is everything in MMA. And right now, the timelines of Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria are not aligning.

For starters, Makhachev seems content at the moment to look upward — not sideways. His aspirations of being a two-division champion are both logical and legacy-driven. He’s already cleaned out his division, and unless a blockbuster payday comes with it, a fight against Topuria doesn’t add as much value to his resume.

Meanwhile, Topuria has not yet established himself in the new division. As talented as he is, stepping up to face a dominant force like Makhachev without a test run could be disastrous. The UFC is unlikely to greenlight such a matchup without building more narrative and competitiveness.

There’s also the factor of risk. For Islam, taking on Topuria might be seen as a lose-lose situation. If he wins, critics will say he beat a smaller man. If he loses, it’s a stain on his otherwise immaculate record. For Topuria, a loss could derail his meteoric rise and stunt his long-term legacy.

Who’s Next for Islam Makhachev?

If Makhachev stays at lightweight, there are still a few intriguing matchups left. Arman Tsarukyan appears to be the most deserving based on merit. Their previous bout was competitive, and Arman has grown significantly since then. A rematch could easily headline a major card like UFC 307 or UFC 308.

There’s also the wildcard of Justin Gaethje, though a rematch with him might lack the same intrigue after Islam’s dominant performance. Dustin Poirier is another big name, but his title chances may depend on upcoming results.

If he jumps to welterweight, the winner of Belal Muhammad vs Jack Della Maddalena becomes the natural opponent. Both fights are stylistically intriguing and carry massive stakes.

What’s Next for Ilia Topuria?

The easiest and most marketable next step for Ilia Topuria would be a title defense at featherweight. He could face Max Holloway, a fan-favorite and former champion still performing at a high level. That fight would be huge in terms of both gate and pay-per-view.

If Topuria insists on moving up, the UFC might schedule him against someone like Mateusz Gamrot or Beneil Dariush. Winning such a fight would silence critics and earn him the title shot he craves.

He could also wait and see if Makhachev vacates the belt. That scenario would open up opportunities for a vacant title fight against someone like Tsarukyan or Poirier — a massive leap, but one that could shape his legacy.

Final Thoughts: Superfight or Super Delay?

The MMA world thrives on what-ifs and dream matchups. Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria is one of those rare fights that could define an era. But with conflicting goals, divisional chaos, and strategic considerations in play, the bout seems increasingly unlikely in the near future.

For now, fans must wait — and hope — that the stars align. Because if these two champions ever do meet, it could be one of the most technically brilliant and emotionally charged showdowns in UFC history.

Islam Makhachev is chasing greatness across weight classes. Ilia Topuria is hungry to prove he belongs among the elite in a second division. Whether their paths collide or continue to diverge, one thing is clear: the future of the UFC is in very exciting hands.