Ilia Topuria eyes duel with Islam Makhachev and suggests new creation for UFC; understand

Ilia Topuria in action at UFC (Photo: Instagram)

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About to step into the octagon to measure strength with Charles of the Bronx in the main fight of UFC 317 next Saturday (28), Ilia Topuria can't help but glimpse a duel with Islam Makhachev. For the Georgian/Spanish, the combination of positive results from both could make the Ultimate experience one of the biggest clashes in recent times.

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In an interview with 'ESPN Deportes' last Tuesday (24), 'El Matador' commented on the interest in creating a new belt in the UFC. According to him, this title would be put up for grabs when two athletes face each other with the first position in the pound-for-pound ranking at stake.

“If he becomes welterweight champion and I win the lightweight title, why not make it a pound-for-pound belt? For me, it’s the perfect scenario,” he said.

Ilia Topuria says a fight against Islam makhachev next for a 'pound-for-pound belt' would be the 'perfect scenario'

"If he becomes the welterweight champion and I win the lightweight title, why not make a pound-for-pound belt? For me it's the perfect scenario."

(Street… pic.twitter.com/cq4nS1P0te

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 25, 2025

Weight for Weight Belt

BMF belt. Photo: UFC.

Similar to the BMF title, the belt proposed by the Georgian/Spanish would be merely symbolic. However, unlike the invention proposed by Nate diaz A few years ago, the honor would only be contested in a very specific situation. The winner would not only take the belt, but would also become the leader in the organization's absolute ranking.

Topuria and Makhachev have been exchanging barbs for a long time

Islam makhachev is a former UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/@UFC

Although a duel between the two has never been confirmed, Makhachev and Topuria have a notorious rivalry. In recent months, the former featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg) has expressed interest in facing the Russian on several occasions. On the other hand, the Dagestani is the next challenger for the welterweight belt (up to 77,1 kg), a territory controlled by the Australian. Jack Della Maddalena.