Dana White breaks silence on Ilia Topuria’s bold move to challenge Islam Makhachev at welterweight

UFC President Dana White has responded to Ilia Topuria’s ambitious desire to challenge Islam Makhachev in the welterweight division—a move that, if realized, could reshape the championship landscape in three weight classes.

Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC), who is set to face Charles Oliveira (35-10 MMA, 23-10 UFC) for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317, recently vacated his featherweight crown with plans far bigger than just one division. The undefeated Spanish-Georgian sensation has his sights set on becoming a three-division UFC champion, and he’s made it clear that Makhachev remains in his crosshairs.

Speaking to media ahead of UFC 317’s open workout in Las Vegas, Ilia Topuria shared his long-term vision:

“If Islam becomes the world welterweight champion, for sure I'm going to push for that shot and I will move to the welterweight division,” he declared.

This bold statement comes at a time when Islam Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC), who also moved up from lightweight, is rumored to be challenging welterweight king Jack Della Maddalena later this year. That looming superfight could crown Makhachev a two-division champion—an achievement Topuria is eager to disrupt.

Dana White urges a reality check

While the idea of a future Ilia Topuria vs. Makhachev welterweight clash excites fans and pundits alike, Dana White remains cautious. Addressing the media during the UFC on ABC 8 post-fight press conference, White didn’t dismiss the idea—but he did offer a reality check.

“Listen, we'll see how this thing plays out,” White said. “He just moved up. We're already talking about him going to 170? I mean, he just moved up. Let's see how he does in this fight, and we'll see how Islam does. They definitely want to fight each other.”

Dana White’s response, though measured, keeps the door open for a future showdown between two of the UFC’s most dominant forces. However, both Topuria and Makhachev must first handle business in their respective upcoming bouts before any superfight can materialize.

What’s at stake

For Ilia Topuria, defeating Oliveira would make him a two-division champion and put him in rare UFC company. For Islam Makhachev, a successful welterweight debut could mark the beginning of his own historic run. Should both men win, a clash at 170 pounds wouldn’t just be exciting—it could be inevitable.

As UFC fans await the outcomes of these pivotal fights, one thing is certain: the fire is lit, and the stage is slowly being set for one of the biggest matchups in UFC history.