As the countdown to UFC 322 intensifies, all eyes are on Islam Makhachev, the former lightweight kingpin, as he prepares to chase two-division glory. His opponent, the formidable Jack Della Maddalena, currently holds the welterweight title, a belt that represents more than just a championship for Makhachev. It signifies a pivotal moment in his career, an opportunity to carve out a legacy much like his legendary mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, though venturing into uncharted territory Khabib himself never explored.
However, the stakes for Makhachev have been dramatically elevated, not just by his upcoming opponent, but by a challenge from a different division. Ilia Topuria, the reigning featherweight champion, has interjected himself into the narrative with a declaration that borders on an ultimatum. For Topuria, Makhachev`s bout at Madison Square Garden on November 15 isn`t solely about collecting another belt; it`s a make-or-break moment for what Topuria envisions as “the biggest fight in UFC history.”
Topuria`s Gauntlet: Win the Welterweight Title, or Face Irrelevance
Topuria, known for his unyielding confidence and sharp rhetoric, hasn`t minced words. He has publicly stated that his interest in a potential clash with Makhachev hinges entirely on the outcome of UFC 322. If Makhachev triumphs over Della Maddalena and captures the welterweight strap, Topuria promises to rise to the occasion, literally. “If he wins, I will definitely rise. Definitely, 100 percent,” he affirmed at a recent press conference in Georgia, hinting at a move up from featherweight to welterweight himself, a third weight class in his ambitious career plan.
But the flip side of this proposition carries a rather blunt dismissal. Should Makhachev falter in his quest for welterweight gold, Topuria`s interest evaporates with a strikingly candid remark. He suggested that if Makhachev loses, he could “return back to Dagestan, to his farm, and continue herding sheep.” A statement that, while perhaps colorful, underscores the immense pressure now placed squarely on Makhachev`s shoulders. It’s a classic example of psychological warfare, designed to burrow into the psyche of an opponent even before they`ve completed their immediate objective.
The Grand Vision: A “Champ vs Champ” Mega-Fight for the Ages
Topuria`s audacity doesn`t stop at merely dictating the terms of a potential fight. He has painted a vivid picture of this hypothetical future clash, framing it as an event that transcends conventional matchups. He envisions a “champ vs champ” showdown against Makhachev, a bout he believes would be of unprecedented magnitude. His aspirations even extend to a specific, almost cinematic setting: a White House event rumored for 2026.
“This will be one of the biggest fights in UFC history,” Topuria declared, highlighting the historical significance of such an encounter. “No one has ever fought for the belt in three weight categories before. Islam dominantly dealt with everyone in his division, rose, and our fight will be a fight of great magnitude.” He argues that such a spectacle would be in “the best interest of all, including the UFC,” positioning himself as a catalyst for a monumental event.
The Unseen Pressure: More Than Just Gold at Stake
For Islam Makhachev, UFC 322 was already a monumental challenge. Moving up a weight class to face a dangerous champion like Jack Della Maddalena is a testament to his ambition and skill. But Topuria`s recent pronouncements have added an invisible, yet heavy, layer of pressure. It`s no longer just about becoming a two-division champion; it`s about validating a future, a legacy, and the potential “biggest fight” that a rival has already begun to hype.
Should Makhachev succeed, a truly historic and financially lucrative showdown with Topuria looms, a battle of champions from three different divisions, each aiming for unparalleled recognition. Should he fail, not only does the welterweight title elude him, but Topuria`s dismissive remarks suggest he would also lose the opportunity for the very mega-fight Topuria is now championing. This adds an almost existential weight to Makhachev`s upcoming performance, turning a championship bout into a gateway to a potentially era-defining narrative.
As November 15 approaches, the octagon at UFC 322 will not just host a fight for a belt, but a contest with profound implications for the sport`s future, a future that Ilia Topuria has confidently, if somewhat provocatively, laid out.
