Ilia Topuria has made his intentions clear regarding a potential move to welterweight. The undefeated lightweight champion is looking beyond his upcoming title defense against Justin Gaethje at UFC White House on June 14, with his sights set on becoming a three-division UFC champion by challenging Islam Makhachev at welterweight.
Topuria’s Three-Division Championship Ambitions
The Georgian-Spaniard fighter currently holds the lightweight title and will defend it for the first time against interim champion Justin Gaethje. However, Topuria’s goals extend well beyond maintaining his current championship. Speaking with UFC on Paramount+, “El Matador” addressed his future plans with characteristic directness.
“Always, always. I want to collect a third belt, everyone knows that,” Topuria stated. “And after this fight, if the UFC wants to give me the opportunity to move up to the welterweight division and fight against the current champion, Islam Makhachev, I will be very happy. Why not? If you don’t take risks, there’s no champagne.”
Timeline of Topuria’s Championship Journey
- Won featherweight championship and defended once
- Moved up to lightweight and captured vacant title against Charles Oliveira
- Set to defend lightweight title against Justin Gaethje at UFC White House
- Targeting welterweight title shot against Islam Makhachev after Gaethje defense
The Makhachev Matchup Context
The potential fight between Topuria and Makhachev carries significant historical context. Topuria initially called for a lightweight title shot against Makhachev when he was featherweight champion. At that time, Makhachev held the lightweight title and successfully defended it four times before making his own move up to welterweight.
Makhachev’s transition to welterweight proved successful when he defeated Jack Della Maddalena to claim that division’s championship. The parallel career trajectories of both fighters have created natural interest in a potential matchup, with many considering Topuria versus Makhachev one of the most anticipated potential bookings in recent UFC history.
Size Considerations at Welterweight
Critics have raised concerns about Topuria’s potential size disadvantage at welterweight. The jump from lightweight to welterweight represents a significant increase in weight class, particularly for a fighter who previously competed at featherweight. However, Topuria appears unconcerned about these physical challenges, embracing the risk as part of achieving championship greatness.
White House Event Booking Rumors
Speculation surrounded the UFC White House card on June 14, with rumors suggesting that Topuria versus Makhachev for the welterweight title was originally planned to headline the event. Both fighters have hinted that they were approached about the booking, though UFC President Dana White has publicly denied these rumors.
The current main event features Topuria defending his lightweight title against Gaethje instead, leaving the potential Makhachev superfight for future consideration.
Topuria’s Undefeated Record and Current Standing
Topuria brings a perfect 17-0 professional record into his upcoming title defense. His path to championship success has been marked by strategic moves between weight classes and dominant performances. The fighter’s willingness to challenge himself across multiple divisions distinguishes him from many contemporary champions who focus solely on defending their current titles.
Key Career Statistics
| Record | 17-0 |
| Current Title | UFC Lightweight Champion |
| Previous Title | UFC Featherweight Champion |
| Next Opponent | Justin Gaethje (UFC White House) |
| Target Opponent | Islam Makhachev at Welterweight |
Immediate Focus on Gaethje Defense
Despite his public statements about welterweight ambitions, Topuria must first navigate a dangerous challenge in Justin Gaethje. The interim champion poses legitimate threats with his striking power and experience at the highest level of competition. A loss to Gaethje would derail any plans for a welterweight title shot and potentially damage Topuria’s standing in the lightweight division.
The June 14 bout represents Topuria’s first lightweight title defense, making it a critical test of his ability to maintain championship status while pursuing multi-division goals.
Historical Context for Three-Division Champions
No fighter in UFC history has successfully captured titles in three different weight classes. Several fighters have held championships in two divisions, but the three-division milestone remains unachieved. Topuria’s stated goal represents an unprecedented accomplishment if realized.
The physical demands of competing across three weight classes present substantial challenges. Fighters must manage weight cuts, strength differences, and tactical adjustments specific to each division’s competitive landscape. Topuria’s confidence in overcoming these obstacles reflects either exceptional self-belief or potential overreach, depending on perspective.
Makhachev’s Current Position
Islam Makhachev holds a 28-1 professional record and currently reigns as UFC welterweight champion. His lone career defeat came early in his professional journey, and he has since established himself as one of the sport’s most dominant champions. Makhachev’s grappling-heavy style and fight IQ present unique challenges for any potential opponent.
The stylistic matchup between Topuria’s striking-based approach and Makhachev’s wrestling and submission expertise would provide compelling tactical questions. The size advantage Makhachev would likely enjoy at welterweight adds another dimension to the potential bout’s dynamics.
Expert Fighter Final Verdict
Topuria’s three-division championship goal represents ambitious thinking, but the path forward contains substantial obstacles. His first priority must be defeating Gaethje at UFC White House on June 14. That bout alone presents significant danger given Gaethje’s power and experience.
The welterweight move carries real physical risks. Topuria competed at featherweight before moving to lightweight, and another weight class jump places him against naturally larger opponents. While his confidence is notable, the size differential at welterweight cannot be dismissed, particularly against a champion as skilled as Makhachev.
For coaches and fighters analyzing this situation, Topuria’s approach offers lessons in both ambition and risk management. His willingness to challenge himself across divisions demonstrates the mentality required for elite competition. However, the practical challenges of moving up two weight classes from his original division require careful consideration. The fight community will watch closely to see if Topuria’s ambitions match his actual capabilities when tested against larger opposition.
The immediate focus should remain on Gaethje. Speculation about welterweight becomes relevant only after successfully defending the lightweight title. Until then, all discussion of three-division championships remains theoretical rather than practical planning.