Islam Makhachev has never been one to shy away from a challenge. The former UFC lightweight champion is moving up to 170 pounds to face Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden this November, and he already has his sights set on what could be one of the biggest fights in mixed martial arts history.
If I win against Della Maddalena, I want to face Ilia Topuria at the White House, Makhachev told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto. He wants to fight there too. I know the UFC wants a big fight for that event and what’s bigger than this?
That fight, should it materialize, would pit two of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world against each other Makhachev currently sits at No. 2, while Topuria holds the No. 1 spot.
A Historic Opportunity Awaits for Islam Makhachev
If Islam Makhachev defeats Della Maddalena, he will tie Anderson Silva’s record with his 16th consecutive UFC victory and capture a world championship in a second weight class. That achievement alone would cement his legacy among the sport’s elite.
But Makhachev’s ambitions go beyond titles. He wants history, spectacle, and legacy, all wrapped into one momentous event. The UFC’s planned White House card in June 2026 could be that moment.
Topuria’s Reign and Rising Rivalry
Ilia Topuria, the undefeated Spanish-Georgian phenom, has been on a meteoric rise. In June, he knocked out Charles Oliveira in the first round to capture the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317, becoming the tenth fighter in UFC history to win belts in two divisions.
Topuria previously ruled the featherweight division before moving up, and he has already teased another jump this time to welterweight if Makhachev claims gold in November.
He wants to fight in the White House, and I also want to be there, Makhachev said. People want this fight. The UFC wants big fights. Which fight is going to be bigger than this?
From Dagestan to the White House
Islam Makhachev’s rise from Makhachkala, Dagestan to the pinnacle of MMA has been nothing short of remarkable. A lifelong student of Khabib Nurmagomedov, he’s carried on his mentor’s legacy with precision, composure, and dominance.
In January, he submitted Renato Moicano in the first round at UFC 311, setting a new record for the most successful lightweight title defenses (four). Now, his focus is on becoming the 11th two-division champion in UFC history. a feat that would place him alongside legends like Georges St-Pierre, Daniel Cormier, and Conor McGregor.
For Makhachev, however, the White House fight represents more than just another belt. It symbolizes how far the sport has come from small gyms in Dagestan to the lawn of the most iconic building in the world.
The Path to a Superfight
While both Makhachev and Topuria are eager to face off, the logistics remain complicated. The UFC must first secure final approval for the White House event, and both champions have title defenses ahead of them.
Topuria has hinted at a potential fight with Paddy Pimblett in early 2026, while Makhachev faces the dangerous challenge of Della Maddalena in New York. Still, if both men emerge victorious, the pressure on Dana White to book this superfight will be enormous.
What It Means for the UFC
A Makhachev vs Topuria clash at the White House would be unprecedented. Not only would it unite two current champions across divisions, but it would also mark the UFC’s most ambitious step toward mainstream global recognition.
It’s a fight that promises elite skill, contrasting styles, and a perfect storyline, the disciplined Dagestani technician versus the fiery, unbeaten matador from Spain.
As Makhachev said, “Which fight is going to be bigger than this?”
If both champions hold their belts by next summer, the answer might be none.
Follow FIGHTCORE for more updates.
