Well, it was a highly unlikely matchup from the beginning. Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria at the White House? Two non-Americans headline what is expected to be the most quintessentially American card? Islam Makhachev has confirmed what most of us already knew.

Makhachev and Topuria have agreed to fight each other on multiple occasions. With both reigning as the champions of the welterweight and lightweight divisions, a potential super fight looked like an easy option until Justin Gaethje won at UFC 324. While ‘El Matador,’ in particular, moved up to the 155-pound division to fight Makhachev, the timing never lined up. And as it seems, the fans will have to wait longer for that super-fight to happen.

Islam Makhachev gets real about the Ilia Topuria White House fight

“There definitely won’t be a fight with Topuria at the White House; he already has an opponent,” said Islam Makhachev during an interview with Ushatayka.

Machachev also noted that the UFC isn’t really interested in that fight right now. Now, there may be a reason behind considering the recent developments in the lightweight division.

As the champion, Ilia Topuria has an obligation to fight Justin Gaethje in a title unification bout next. And considering Gaethje being the only male-American champion, the title unification bout promises to be an exciting matchup for the UFC White House event on June 14.

However, this would eventually delay a fight between Makhachev and Topuria. But the Dagestani has many other options to face next. Take contenders like Michael Morales, Ian Garry, and Kamaru Usman, for example, who are seemingly calling for a title shot. While Garry and Morales stand as no. 2 and no. 3-ranked welterweights, Usman is a former champion.

Amid that, does Makhachev have a preference? As it seems, he does.

Makhachev eyes Kamaru Usman fight

Islam Makhachev became the UFC welterweight champion by beating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. It was a bout that saw the Dagestani dominating and outclassing Della Maddalena on his 170-pound debut. That was a relatively easy outing for Makhachev. But while considering his next opponent, the champion doesn’t seem to be backing down from a challenge.

“I said I wanted to fight Kamaru Usman next. Although the media doesn’t believe in this fight, as I can see,” said Makhachev in an interview with Red Corner MMA. “But in my opinion, Usman would steamroll through these up-and-comers like Morales, Prates, and the striker. Those guys haven’t been checked yet.

I think Usman would be the hardest fight for me, and in terms of media, we could build it up like a former champion, the most title defenses in my weight division. We could promote this fight and make it fun to watch.”

The ‘striker’ Makhachev referred to here is Ian Garry. The Irishman has been clamoring for his rightful title shot and hinted at a huge incoming announcement. He has travelled for training to Georgia, as he said he would, if he were preparing for Makhachev.

Now, Kamaru Usman is nearing his retirement. But has a few goals in his mind before hanging up the gloves. With a victory over Joaquin Buckley in his last fight, Usman believes he still has what it takes to become the champion again.

But then again, the UFC is yet to make any official announcement about it. On that note, does Makhachev fight Usman next? Let us know in the comments below!