Khabib Nurmagomedov doesn’t think the highly anticipated Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira bout would be the UFC’s biggest attraction today.
Speaking ahead of UFC 322, where Islam Makhachev will attempt to win a second divisional title, the retired lightweight legend shared his honest take on what fight truly stands above the rest.
“I think right now, yeah: (Ilia) Topuria and Islam (Makhachev) is the biggest fight,” Nurmagomedov said on WEIGHING IN Podcast. “Not Jon Jones and (Alex) Pereira. It’s still a big fight, but not on that level. I don’t think it’s same level.”
Nurmagomedov, who will be in attendance at Madison Square Garden for Makhachev’s welterweight title challenge against Jack Della Maddalena, believes a meeting between his protégé and the undefeated Ilia Topuria represents the sport’s next true blockbuster matchup.
According to Khabib, the intrigue behind Makhachev vs. Topuria goes beyond championship belts or fame—it’s about two fighters who dominate with very different but elite skill sets.
Khabib says Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev is a bigger fight than Jon Jones vs Alex Pereira 👀
“I think Topuria Islam can be biggest fight, not Jon Jones and Pereira. Still a big fight, but not on that level.”
(via @WeighingIn) pic.twitter.com/YnRWLWj2yC
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 11, 2025
Khabib sees Makhachev vs. Topuria as UFC’s new defining matchup
Makhachev (16-1 UFC), the reigning lightweight champion, is attempting to become a two-division titleholder at UFC 322. Topuria (7-0 UFC), the reigning featherweight champion, remains unbeaten and has openly expressed interest in moving up for a superfight of his own.
While Jon Jones and Alex Pereira continue to capture headlines, Nurmagomedov’s comments suggest the next generational showdown may lie elsewhere—between Islam Makhachev’s relentless grappling and Ilia Topuria’s explosive striking.
“It’s still a big fight, but not on that level,” Khabib repeated, underscoring his belief that Makhachev vs. Topuria carries the greater competitive significance.
Jon Jones has been linked to a potential White House card next year against Pereira or even Francis Ngannou, though UFC CEO Dana White remains hesitant due to Jones’ history of withdrawals and controversies. Meanwhile, Makhachev’s focus remains on securing victory at UFC 322, which could open the door to the matchup his coach and teammate see as monumental.
Whether the UFC pursues Makhachev vs. Topuria next will depend on results at Madison Square Garden, but for Khabib Nurmagomedov, the picture is already clear—this is the fight that defines the modern era.
