There’s a hushed panic growing at the UFC headquarters. With UFC 317 fast approaching and the main event still unknown, the organization is in full scramble mode. International Fight Week isn’t just any card; it’s THE card of the year. Fans should expect chaos, violence, and star power in one thrilling night. However, without a guaranteed headliner, the Dana White-led promotion is dangerously close to disappointment. But, we finally have an idea of what is going on in the minds of the UFC and Dana White, as UFC commentator Laura Sanko might’ve just revealed their plans featuring Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria.

“They really want Islam versus Topuria,” Sanko explained during her interview with Submission Radio. “And I think they will do whatever it takes to make that fight happen financially.” The words tell it all. This isn’t just another clash; it’s a Hail Mary. The Golden Ticket.

Islam Makhachev, the lightweight king, will face Ilia Topuria, the knockout artist. The UFC is no longer hiding the fact that this is their dream fight, and they are working every angle to make it a reality.

Topuria has already made his move, dropping out of featherweight and focusing on gold at 155. He’s promised that his next fight would be for the lightweight title, and all indicators point to UFC 317 being the venue. Dana White has stated that ‘La Leyenda’ is no longer able to cut to 145, putting an end to any uncertainty. The UFC is pushing hard for this superfight, and if it does not happen, the entire show risks falling flat. Meanwhile, welterweights are on standby.

If Jack Della Maddalena defeats Belal Muhammad, a three-way battle for the title begins between JDM, Ian Garry, and Shavkat Rakhmonov—assuming Shavkat is healthy. Sean Brady is also lurking.

But Laura Sanko made it clear: despite the instability in that division, the promotion’s attention is focused on one thing: Makhachev vs. Topuria. Everyone else is just circling the runway as the big event takes shape in the air. Behind closed doors, there’s a rat race. Fighters are lobbying. Managers are calling. Matchmakers juggle scenarios by the hour. But none of this matters if the UFC decides the lightweight champion vs. the Spanish-Georgian.

That fight is the stormbreaker, or reset button. As Sanko stated, the UFC will “do whatever it takes.” As time passes, that may be the only option left on the table. However, for Islam Makhachev, it will be a lose-lose situation.

UFC lightweight drops brutal verdict on Islam Makhachev-Ilia Topuria fight

While the UFC works to create a blockbuster for UFC 317, one guy silently stands in the center of the storm: Islam Makhachev. The machine around him is on full gear, with Ilia Topuria, the UFC, and even the fans screaming for a fight. However, Makhachev sees the stakes as twisted. The challenge is real, but the prize may not be. It’s the type of fight that fulfills Dana White’s promotional dreams—but leaves the defending champion in a no-win situation.

Beneil Dariush, a fellow 155-pound challenger, summed it up without sugarcoating. “There’s truth to that, for sure,” he said about the Dagestani’s lose-lose matchup. If Islam Makhachev wins, fans will dismiss it as yet another featherweight being run over, just like Alexander Volkanovski twice.

What if he loses? It would be a disaster. The criticism will not just sting; it will bury him in revisionist takes. The belt, the pound-for-pound standing, it could all disappear in one night. What if the fight does not happen at all? That’s another type of criticism from a fandom looking for chaos.

Dariush did not stop there. He referred to the toxic side of MMA fandom, where logic is frequently suffocated by emotion. “It’s like, bro, the champion gets to fight whoever he wants, kind of,” he shrugged, admitting that the pressure can be ludicrous. Everyone wants the lightweight champion to fight, but no one asks what he gets out of it. ‘La Leyenda’ may be undefeated, explosive, and loud, but he is also fresh to the division.

For Islam Makhachev, this makes him dangerous, but not necessarily worth the risk. What do you think? Do you want Islam Makhachev to fight Ilia Topuria? Let us know in the comments.