Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion and pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter in the UFC, has been linked heavily in recent weeks with a super fight against unbeaten featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria — in a bid to defend his belt for another record-setting fifth time.

Islam Makhachev has established himself as perhaps the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, and UFC CEO Dana White is teasing a blockbuster next fight

UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria says that he can move up to the lightweight division and dethrone UFC's number-one pound-for-pound fighter with one well-timed connection with either of his fists.

UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria is confident he would knock out lightweight champion Islam Makhachev because he believes a higher power has already determined it. Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) is coming off an incredible 2024 campaign.

Islam Makhachev is aware about the noise created by the current UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria and is also ready to face him but not anytime soon. The reason behind it is very simple, Makhachev expects Topuria to have more credible title defenses under his name.

Ilia Topuria teases major fight news coming next week, fueling speculation about a potential showdown with Islam Makhachev.