Ilia Topuria believes a future inaugural title fight against Islam Makhachev is a possibility.
While an appearance at the White House event may not be on the cards just yet, Topuria is still expected to take on Justin Gaethje in his next UFC appearance.
Bringing together the lightweight titles makes sense as the next move, but the Spaniard has made it clear that he has his eyes on the champion in the division above.
Makhachev has already said he will not be available for a June matchup, but ‘El Matador’ has another idea. He is proposing a catchweight clash between champions instead.
Ilia Topuria believes he and Islam Makhachev could compete for a new pound-for-pound title
Topuria has floated two different options for a future bout with Makhachev.
Speaking on Adin Ross’ stream, ‘El Matador’ mentioned that he would prefer the fight to happen at welterweight, as it would give him a chance to become the UFC’s first ever three-division champion.
But there is also another idea on his mind – one that does not involve either of their current divisions.
“But also, it would be a great scenario to me to fight between 155 and 170 and to create a new belt,” he began by saying.
“Why not call it pound-for-pound? Because he’s the number one, I’m the number two right now. For me, myself, I’m the number one, but yeah. You put two of the best guys in the world, you put the pound-for-pound belt in the middle, whoever wins is the best.”
Makhachev regained his pound-for-pound top spot in November after beating Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title.
The timing of their moves between weight classes meant they just missed each other. Even so, talk of them meeting remains very much alive – especially given their standings as two of MMA’s best.
Joe Rogan says UFC championship structure needs to change
The introduction of the BMF title, which will be up for grabs again when Max Holloway takes on Charles Oliveira next month, was not met with overwhelming support from UFC fans back in 2019.
And the idea of a one-off pound-for-pound belt, created just for a Topuria vs Makhachev clash and never defended again, probably would not go down much better.
Still, having two champions step away from their weight classes does touch on an issue Joe Rogan has raised more than once.
Speaking on the latest episode of the JRE MMA Show, Rogan once again pushed for the UFC to add more weight classes.
“Give people more options. This idea of only having eight champions I think, in MMA, is very, very limiting,” the commentator stated.
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