Ilia Topuria is not thinking small. As he prepares to defend his title against Justin Gaethje at the UFC White House event, the undefeated champion has already set his sights on something far bigger. A move to welterweight. A showdown with Islam Makhachev. And a chance to secure a third belt.
What stands out is not just the ambition. It is the way Topuria believes he will get it done.
White House fight comes first
Before any talk of super fights becomes reality, Ilia Topuria has business to handle. His upcoming bout against Gaethje is set to headline one of the most high profile cards in UFC history.
Topuria understands the scale of the moment and believes his presence at the top of the card is no accident.
It may sound a little bit cocky, but I feel that I’m one of the biggest names right now that the UFC has, he said. If they are going to have one of the biggest events, they have to have their biggest stars.
Despite the confidence, he is not overlooking the challenge in front of him.
He’s good. Everyone is good. Justin is good, Topuria added, acknowledging the threat posed by Gaethje’s aggressive style.
The Makhachev plan and a bold prediction
Where Topuria separates himself is in how he talks about a potential fight with Makhachev. Most fighters approach the matchup with caution, given the champion’s elite grappling.
Topuria has a different vision.
When I get the opportunity to fight with someone, I always think about what can I do to really shock the world,” he said. So with Islam, to shock the world, I have to submit him.
He did not stop there.
I’m gonna take him down, and I’m gonna submit him.
It is a statement that goes directly against conventional thinking. Makhachev’s dominance on the ground has defined his reign, yet Topuria believes that is exactly where he can create a historic moment.
Confidence shaped by an unbeaten run
Topuria’s belief is rooted in results. He remains undefeated in his professional career and has consistently delivered under pressure.
His ability to adapt across weight classes has been a defining feature. Moving from featherweight to lightweight did not slow him down. If anything, it expanded his options.
I know that inside yourself, maybe it sounds a little bit strange, he said. But don’t be surprised when you see that happen.
That mindset has become central to his rise. He does not just aim to win. He aims to do it in a way that leaves a lasting impression.
A different approach to legacy
Ilia Topuria is careful when discussing legacy. While many champions lean into labels, he prefers to keep that conversation open.
I don’t like to claim myself as the greatest, he said. “I leave that to the people.
Still, his actions point toward a clear objective. Moving across divisions, taking high risk fights, and calling out the best available opponent all suggest a fighter focused on building something that stands out over time.
A win over Gaethje would strengthen his position. A successful move to welterweight would elevate it even further.
The road ahead remains uncertain
Despite his plans, Topuria is aware that not everything is in his control. A previous attempt to secure a fight with Makhachev did not materialize due to injury concerns.
I don’t know the real story, he said. We wanted Islam because it’s the bigger fight, but then they told me he was injured.
For now, the focus remains on what is confirmed. Gaethje stands in front of him. The title is on the line. The platform is massive.
Beyond that, the possibilities remain open.
Ilia Topuria setting his own narrative
Topuria’s approach has always been direct. He calls his shots. He backs them up. He moves forward without hesitation.
If it’s Islam, good. If it’s Justin, good,” he said. The result is going to be the same.
That level of certainty can divide opinion, but it also keeps attention firmly on him.
As the UFC White House event approaches, Topuria is not just preparing for a fight. He is shaping the next chapter of his career, one that could lead to a rare place in the sport’s history.
Whether the Makhachev fight happens next or later, the message is already out. Topuria is coming for more, and he believes he knows exactly how it will end.
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