There are plenty of fighters eager to test their skills against Ilia Topuria. But the matchup fans dream about most is Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev. While ‘El Matador’ has shown interest in the fight, it isn’t happening next. Makhachev, who is set to face Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 on November 15 in New York, moved up to welterweight for the bout, while Topuria climbed to lightweight and defeated Charles Oliveira to claim the title.

However, once Makhachev handles Maddalena and Ilia Topuria successfully defends his lightweight belt for the third time in January, there’s a real possibility that the Georgian champion could move up in weight. If that happens, fans might finally witness the superfight they’ve been waiting for. And according to Javier Mendez, Islam Makhachev’s coach, he already has a clear vision of how that clash would unfold.

Islam Makhachev never ducked anyone

“I think it favors us even more so because now Ilia’s 5’7. So, he’s gonna be strong as a fire plug for darn sure. But putting on that extra weight… The power will be there, but the speed won’t be there,” Makhachev’s coach told Submission Radio when asked about a potential fight at welterweight. He explained that Makhachev would have fought Topuria before moving up, but wanted to wait and see how the Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena fight played out.

“When Belal lost, that was the opportunity he wanted because we knew who Ilia was going to fight from featherweight to lightweight,” Mendez added. The Dagestani champion defended his title four times—twice against Alexander Volkanovski and once each against Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano. That, according to Mendez, was always the plan. “So before anybody starts thinking that, ‘Oh no, he did that to avoid [Ilia].’ He’s not avoided anybody.”

Mendez concluded during the interview by saying that all of this is part of the pursuit of “legacy fights” for Makhachev. Despite Mendez’s confidence and veteran insight, his loyalty to Makhachev is understandable—he’s his coach, after all. Still, stylistically, this matchup is fascinating. Makhachev remains elite on the ground, but Topuria possesses devastating knockout power and crisp boxing that translates seamlessly to 170 pounds. 

He’s already adapted from 145 to 155 without losing explosiveness. At welterweight, his counters could become even deadlier. For Makhachev to win, he’ll need to chain takedowns flawlessly to avoid Topuria’s hooks. One clean shot could end it. Islam’s size and control might carry him to a decision, but Topuria’s youth, speed, and finishing instinct make him the more dangerous man in a potential superfight.

But let’s say the fight is happening—when and where, though?

Makhachev says the Ilia Topuria fight should be on the UFC White House card

For Islam Makhachev, his superfight against Ilia Topuria could only be contained in the biggest event the UFC has to offer. Which one? Well, on the UFC White House card, which is expected in June next year. Speaking to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, the former lightweight champion claimed that if he beats ‘JDM’ next, he would welcome the Topuria fight. 

“I saw the [Oliveira] fight; he’s good,” Makhachev said last month. “He wants to fight at the White House, and I also want to be there. I know the UFC wants to do some big fight in the White House. Which fight is going to be bigger than this?” Makhachev, who has long struggled with weight cuts, feels the move to 170 pounds will showcase his true form.

Having said that, all the chips are in place. All that is left is for both Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria to follow through. But do you think things will go as planned? Can ‘JDM’ cause an upset?