Ilia Topuria has made it clear that his preferred opponent is Islam Makhachev. The reigning lightweight champion has not yet been given a date for his first title defense, and he is waiting to see whether the UFC will allow him to move into the welterweight division for a fight with the current titleholder.
Makhachev recently claimed the welterweight belt after his victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, and Topuria has openly expressed interest in meeting him in that division.
Topuria said, “I have Paddy on my mind. I would like to fight Paddy if they do not let me move up to welterweight to fight Islam. Because the fight I would really like is against Islam in the third weight class. But let us see. Maybe I will have one more fight, then in summer maybe there is a date when they will let me move up to welterweight, and I will fight for the third belt.”
He made these remarks to Álvaro Colmenero during his recent media availability.
Topuria Mentions Paddy Pimblett As His Backup Fight
Although Topuria has no shortage of possible challengers at lightweight, including Arman Tsarukyan after his stoppage win over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar, he is revisiting an older feud with Paddy Pimblett if the move to welterweight is not granted.
Topuria and Pimblett first clashed verbally several years ago, and Topuria has kept the idea alive ever since. His latest comments suggest he is willing to settle that rivalry inside the cage if the UFC does not approve his pursuit of Makhachev.
Topuria is coming off one of the most dominant stretches in recent UFC history.
He knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to claim the featherweight belt at UFC 298, scored the first stoppage of Max Holloway at UFC 308, then left the featherweight class vacant to go after Makhachev.
After that, he finished Charles Oliveira in June to become the lightweight champion.
Topuria Proposes A New Championship To Face Islam Makhachev
If the promotion does not want him to move fully into the welterweight category, Topuria offered a different concept that would still allow the match to happen.
He said, “Maybe they will create a new belt called the pound for pound title at a catchweight. So I will fight for that pound for pound belt. Let us see. There are plenty of options. Let us see what the future holds.”
His remarks show that he is determined to face Makhachev in some form, even if the UFC prefers not to create another simultaneous multi divisional champion at the moment.
Arman Tsarukyan Responds To Ilia Topuria’s Remarks
Arman Tsarukyan immediately reacted to Topuria’s interview, posting a direct message on X.
He wrote, “Could it be any more obvious that el pato is doing everything in his power to avoid fighting me?”
Tsarukyan’s reaction adds another layer to an already crowded field of contenders, but for now, Topuria’s attention is firmly on Makhachev above everyone else.
Could it be any more obvious that el pato is doing everything in his power to avoid fighting me? https://t.co/200p7ahsLX
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) November 25, 2025
