The UFC world is buzzing with anticipation, but one super-fight is stealing the spotlight, and it’s not just because of the fighters involved—it’s the sheer magnitude of what’s at stake. Former rival Jack Della Maddalena has thrown his weight behind the idea that Islam Makhachev’s next showdown ‘absolutely needs to happen,’ and it’s not just hype—it’s a call to action that’s dividing fans and experts alike. But here’s where it gets controversial: is the UFC dragging its feet on booking this colossal matchup?
Since Makhachev’s historic title triumph at Madison Square Garden last November, the welterweight division has been in a holding pattern. After vacating the lightweight throne and dominating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 to become the eleventh two-division champion, Makhachev has yet to defend his new title. Meanwhile, a host of hungry contenders are clamoring for their shot, but Della Maddalena insists there’s one fight that stands above the rest: a clash between Makhachev and his former division’s champion, Ilia Topuria. And this is the part most people miss: this isn’t just about two titans colliding—it’s about legacy, history, and the future of multiple weight classes.
The whispers of a Makhachev-Topuria super-fight began when ‘El Matador’ conquered the featherweight division and set his sights on multi-weight dominance. Topuria didn’t hold back, accusing Makhachev of ‘running away’ when he relinquished the 155-pound title—a claim that only added fuel to the fire. Topuria later claimed that title by knocking out Charles Oliveira, but his current hiatus has temporarily paused the chatter. Still, Della Maddalena doubled down on the idea during a recent appearance on streamer N3on’s YouTube channel, stating, ‘It needs to happen.’
But here’s the kicker: Della Maddalena isn’t just pushing for this fight—he’s also predicting Makhachev would emerge victorious. ‘Ilia is good, but I just reckon the size would be a lot,’ he said, while acknowledging Topuria’s heavy-hitting power. ‘If he can keep it on the feet, it’d be a good fight,’ he added. Yet, despite his respect for Topuria, Della Maddalena boldly claimed he himself would beat the lightweight champ at 170 pounds. Talk about confidence!
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: While Makhachev’s dominance is undeniable, Topuria’s plan to become a three-division champion adds another layer of complexity. If this fight happens, it’s not just about who wins—it’s about reshaping the UFC’s history books. But with Topuria on hiatus, the question remains: Will the UFC pull the trigger, or will this super-fight remain a tantalizing ‘what if’?
And now, we turn it over to you. Does a fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria need to happen? Is Della Maddalena right about Makhachev’s edge, or could Topuria pull off the upset? And let’s not forget—who do you think would win in a hypothetical Della Maddalena vs. Topuria matchup? Join the debate in the comments below, and let’s settle this once and for all. 👇
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