A new report may have revealed when fans can expect a long-rumored Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria fight to take place.
Over the last few years, UFC lightweight king Islam Makhachev has put together a resume worthy of a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame. He has posted a 16-1 record inside the Octagon. And scored wins over greats of his era like Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski (twice), and Dustin Poirier.
Also Read: Where does Islam Makhachev land in our latest UFC pound-for-pound rankings?
However, his success has also created a problem where there are few clear-cut options for his next fight. Arman Tsarukyan should be next in line. However, after having to pull out of UFC 311 at the last minute he will be forced to re-earn his title opportunity. That is why there have been rumors about a clash with featherweight king Ilia Topuria.
Fuel was added to that speculation fire on Wednesday when UFC boss Dana White revealed the Spaniard is vacating the title and Volkanovski will face Diego Lopes for the belt at UFC 314. Following that massive news, long-time MMA reporter Ariel Helwani revealed what he is hearing about when a Makhachev vs. Topuria fight will happen.
- What is Islam Makhachev’s record in the UFC? 27-1
Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria expected to happen in June?
“The plan is for Ilia Topuria to fight Islam Makhachev later this year, I’m told. Perhaps as soon as [International Fight Week],” Helwani wrote on X Wednesday night.
IFW 2025 will go down at the end of June and will culminate with UFC 317 inside T-Mobile Arena. The company often likes to have major fights headline a pay-per-view card during IFW. There are few bigger than a clash between two of the five best fighters on the planet today.
Also Read: Islam Makhachev’s next fight – 3 opponent options for the lightweight king’s next bout
