For months, it felt like a fantasy. A matchup created on social media and fueled by fan hype. Islam Makhachev versus Ilia Topuria. One is a methodical Dagestani who dismantles opponents with surgical precision, while the other is a fiery Spaniard-Georgian who demolishes names once thought invincible. Both champions dominate, and neither is willing to share the spotlight.

It is a rivalry based on timing as well as tension. Islam Makhachev’s rise began as the Dagestani phenom moved to welterweight in search of new glory. Some dubbed it a strategy, while others referred to it as avoidance. And now, as he prepares to meet Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322, Dana White has finally hinted that the dream fight with ‘El Matador’ might actually be real.

Dana White finally opens the door for Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria

Dana White did not mince words in his latest interview. “Ilia vs. Islam can happen too,” he said. “I think everyone wants to see that fight, including Topuria and Islam.” It wasn’t a formal announcement, but in the language of fight promotion, it was a wink —a break in the wall separating dream from reality.

For weeks, the head honcho has been cautious, urging that both fighters should “see how things play out.” The tone changed. The green light isn’t particularly bright yet, but it’s clearly glowing. The logistics aren’t simple. After all, the Dagestani has no intention of going back to lightweight. “The fans are mostly interested in it,” he said in his recent media appearance.

Meanwhile, Makhachev once remarked, “I’m not interested in cutting weight to 155 pounds and torturing myself again. I’m interested in fighting at 170.” That means if the bout takes place, it will be on his terms—at welterweight. ‘El Matador,’ who has already won featherweight and lightweight titles, is built for this kind of chaos. “If Islam becomes the world welterweight champion,” Ilia Topuria stated a few months ago, “for sure I’m going to push for that shot, and I will move to the welterweight division.”

For the UFC, this is a perfect storm. A historic “champ-champ vs. champ-champ” contest has the ability to define an era. Both fighters represent pure dominance: Islam Makhachev‘s crushing control and Topuria’s explosive violence. One smothers and the other destroys. There is no gimmick here, no need for bad blood.

It’s just a fight that everyone wants to see because it could finally settle a long-standing question: who is the best fighter in the world, pound for pound? But while this fight will answer this question for several fans, it is worth noting that Islam Makhachev has four fighters ranked ahead of Ilia Topuria on his pound-for-pound list.

Islam Makhachev name-drops fighters better than ‘El Matador’ for UFC’s P4P list

For Islam Makhachev, the battle over pound-for-pound superiority is not about headlines, but about hierarchy. As the world focuses on a dream fight with Ilia Topuria, the Dagestani is quietly reshaping the conversation. To him, ‘El Matador’ may be a rising star, but not the definitive name at the top.

The Dagestani believes that others have earned that recognition through consistency, rather than one explosive night in the cage. During the UFC 322 fight week, Makhachev was asked what he would change about the UFC and did not hesitate. “I’d change the pound-for-pound rankings,” he told Adin Ross. His tone lacked any touch of humor. It wasn’t bitterness either, but rather a sense of unfinished business.

The former lightweight champion argues that the rankings have become more of a popularity contest than a legitimate measure of dominance. “Back to number one,” he added. “This week, we’ll change.” When asked to name his own top five, Makhachev chose Alexandre Pantoja, Tom Aspinall, and Alexander Volkanovski before the current number 1 on the list, Ilia Topuria.

“Myself, [Alexandre] Pantoja, [Tom] Aspinall, and [Alexander] Volkanovski,” he stated, pausing briefly. “That’s four? And Topuria.” The placement says it all. Respect to the Spaniard, but no crown yet. Makhachev believes that excellence is not about hype but about proving longevity, defending belts, and surviving while others fail. And if he defeats Jack Della Maddalena this weekend, he’ll be one step closer to reclaiming the top spot—with or without Topuria’s approval.