Islam Makhachev has his attention on a unique goal after UFC 322. The Dagestani lightweight champion, now moving up to welterweight, wants to face Ilia Topuria at the rumored UFC event at the White House. But first, he must defeat Jack Della Maddalena in their title fight on November 14 at Madison Square Garden.
A victory over Della Maddalena would give Makhachev his second UFC title and tie Anderson Silva’s record of sixteen consecutive wins. It would also set up one of the biggest matchups the sport could offer.
Makhachev open to Topuria fight at the White House
In a recent interview with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Makhachev confirmed that Topuria is the opponent he wants next if he becomes the new welterweight champion.
“He wants to fight in White House, I also want to be there. It’s gonna be big fight for MMA community,” Makhachev said.
“If people want this fight, if UFC want this fight, we can do this. I know the UFC wants to do a big fight in the White House. Which fight going to be bigger than this?”
Makhachev explained that he remains focused on his upcoming challenge, but will be ready to take on Topuria if all goes well.
“I have a good fight now and I know Ilia is going fight soon. We’ll see what’s going to be happening.”
White House card plans and potential superfight
The idea of hosting a UFC event at the White House was supported by former U.S. president Donald Trump as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. UFC President Dana White has since said that discussions are progressing and even shared early concept images of an Octagon placed on the South Lawn.
Makhachev’s name has already been linked to this special card, alongside stars such as Conor McGregor and Alex Pereira. His proposed bout with Topuria could be the centerpiece of that historic event.
Topuria, 28, has become one of the biggest threats to Makhachev’s position at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. The Spanish-Georgian fighter won the lightweight title by stopping Charles Oliveira in June and previously captured featherweight gold with highlight-reel knockouts of Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.
He has also stated that he would be willing to move up to 170 pounds to face Makhachev, which could remove the issue of weight differences between the champions.
Both fighters are in their prime and unbeaten in recent years, making this matchup one of the most anticipated potential clashes in the UFC.
For now, Islam Makhachev will focus on Jack Della Maddalena in New York. If he succeeds, the path could be clear for a monumental fight with Ilia Topuria at the White House next summer.
