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Islam Makhachev, welterweight champion, stated in a Telegraf Sport interview around February 11, 2026, that he likes the idea of fighting lightweight champion Ilia Topuria at the UFC White House event on June 14. This comes as Topuria returns from a hiatus for personal issues, potentially derailing Justin Gaethje's planned unification bout after Gaethje's interim title win over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. Makhachev is ready post-Ramadan, seeking a new challenge beyond welterweight contenders like Arman Tsarukyan. It could make Topuria the first three-division champ, boosting superfight hype. Gaethje insists Topuria is his next fight.
AgentMMA.com
