The dream matchup between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria has captured the imagination of MMA fans worldwide, but former UFC champion Michael Bisping has poured cold water on immediate plans for the superfight. Despite Makhachev’s impressive welterweight title capture at UFC 322, Bisping believes the packed schedules in both the 170-pound and 145-pound divisions will keep these champions from colliding anytime soon.
Why Makhachev vs Topuria Faces Significant Delays
According to Bisping’s analysis on his YouTube channel, the logistical hurdles for a Makhachev-Topuria showdown are substantial. “While everyone wants to see this fight, the reality is both champions have unfinished business in their own divisions,” Bisping explained. Topuria is currently focused on establishing his featherweight reign with multiple title defences, while Makhachev faces a murderers’ row of contenders at welterweight.
The timing simply doesn’t align for an immediate superfight. Topuria would need to successfully defend his featherweight title before considering a move up to lightweight, let alone welterweight. Meanwhile, Makhachev has at least two mandatory challengers waiting at 170 pounds, making a cross-division adventure unlikely in the near future.
Makhachev’s Welterweight Gauntlet
The newly crowned welterweight champion faces no shortage of dangerous opponents. Michael Morales (19-0) represents perhaps the most intriguing challenge after his devastating knockout of Sean Brady. The undefeated contender’s perfect record and finishing ability make him a legitimate threat to Makhachev’s title reign.
Additionally, Carlos Prates announced his arrival as a serious contender with his stunning victory over Leon Edwards. The Brazilian’s explosive striking could test Makhachev’s defensive standup game. Beyond these fresh faces, established names like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Belal Muhammad, and even former champion Kamaru Usman all loom as potential challengers, creating a packed schedule for Makhachev through 2026.
Topuria’s Featherweight Obligations
On the other side of the equation, Ilia Topuria has his own championship responsibilities. The featherweight king must first navigate challenges from top contenders in his division. Arman Tsarukyan presents an intriguing stylistic matchup if he gets past Dan Hooker, while names like Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje offer massive commercial opportunities.
Topuria has repeatedly stated his intention to build a legacy at featherweight before considering moves to other weight classes. “I want to defend this belt multiple times and establish myself as the greatest featherweight of all time,” Topuria recently told ESPN. This focus on his current division means any potential move to challenge Makhachev would likely be years away rather than months.
The Historic Three-Division Challenge
What makes the Makhachev-Topuria matchup particularly compelling is the historic nature of the challenge. No fighter in UFC history has ever captured championships in three different weight classes. For Topuria to achieve this, he would need to defeat Makhachev at welterweight after presumably moving through lightweight—a monumental task that appeals to the Spaniard’s ambitious nature.
Bisping highlighted this historical context, noting, “The three-weight championship is the last great untouched record in our sport. It’s the MMA equivalent of climbing Everest, and Ilia has the skill and confidence to believe he can do it.” However, the former champion cautioned that such an attempt requires careful planning and timing that doesn’t currently exist in the UFC landscape.
Conclusion: A Fight for the Future
While the Makhachev-Topuria superfight captures the imagination, both champions have immediate obligations that will keep them apart for the foreseeable future. Makhachev must navigate the deepest welterweight division in years, while Topuria seeks to build his featherweight legacy. As Bisping wisely noted, “This is the fight everyone wants to see in 2026 or 2027, but trying to force it in 2025 would be a mistake for both fighters’ careers.”
The potential showdown remains one of the most intriguing matchups in combat sports, but fans will need to practice patience as both champions handle their championship responsibilities in their respective divisions first.
Makhachev vs Topuria: Your Questions Answered
Why can’t Makhachev and Topuria fight now?
Both champions have mandatory title defenses in their respective divisions, and the UFC typically requires champions to clean out their weight classes before pursuing superfights.
Who will Makhachev likely fight first?
Michael Morales appears to be the leading contender after his impressive UFC 322 knockout victory, though Carlos Prates also made a strong case for a title shot.
What would Topuria need to do to get the fight?
He would need to successfully defend his featherweight title multiple times, then potentially win the lightweight championship before moving up to challenge Makhachev at welterweight.
Has any fighter held three UFC titles?
No fighter has ever held UFC championships in three different weight classes, making this potential achievement historically significant.
When could we realistically see this fight?
Late 2026 or 2027 appears most likely, given both fighters’ current schedules and the challenges each faces in their respective divisions.
