Ilia Topuria already has his eyes on Islam Makhachev as he prepares to defend his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje at UFC White House on June 14.
Topuria is set for a unification bout with Gaethje, who captured the interim title by defeating Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. The event will take place on the White House lawn and features a specialty UFC Freedom 250 belt.
Topuria said he wants a future showdown with welterweight champion Makhachev and is open to it happening by the end of the year. “If it would be my choice, I would fight him on this card or by the end of the year,” Topuria said.
He praised Makhachev’s skills while emphasizing his desire to test himself. “I’m excited, too. I’m a fighter. This is what I do every day of my life, so why not test my skills against someone like him? He is a very skillful fighter, I respect him as a fighter, he dominated the whole division for I don’t know how many years.”
A potential first welterweight title defense for Makhachev against Ian Machado Garry this summer is being discussed but is not yet official. Topuria sees opportunity either way. “Whoever wins, it’s good for me. Everything happens for a reason.”
UFC White House is described as a once-in-a-lifetime event with multiple title fights, including a matchup between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane. Outside the card, Costello Van Steenis vs. Johnny Eblen is set for PFL Austin on July 18, and Jon Kunneman vs. Joseph Kropschot is booked for Contender Series on Aug. 11.
