Ilia Topuria will not be facing Islam Makhachev at UFC Freedom 250, but he’d be an “exceptional” challenge if the bout ever materializes.
That’s what Colby Covington believes, as he told MMAJunkie that he feels Topuria vs. Makhachev is the matchup to make down the road.
“I think the best fight was going to be the Topuria fight, but obviously that fight didn’t come together,” Covington said. “He’s going to unify the title with Gaethje which is cool, but I think that’s the most high-level fight the welterweight division could have done.
“I think Topuria matches up exceptional against Makhachev. He’s a big, strong guy, he’s a low center gravity so, he’s going to very hard to take down and hold down. Of course, we know how explosive his striking is. So, hopefully they can make that fight before their careers end.”
Instead, Topuria will face Justin Gaethje in an undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship fight at the White House on June 14. “El Matador” is the current 155-pound titleholder. Gaethje captured interim gold at UFC 324 with his unanimous decision win over Paddy Pimblett.
UFC booked an interim title fight due to the fact that Topuria was on a brief hiatus. Once personal matters cleared up, Topuria signed on for the UFC Freedom 250 bout against Gaethje.
During an appearance on the “Anik & Florian Podcast,” Topuria’s manager Malki Kawa revealed that the money offered for a fight against Makhachev wasn’t satisfactory. He insisted that’s why Topuria accepted the Gaethje fight instead.
UFC CEO Dana White recently told reporters that Makhachev is dealing with a hand issue. White isn’t sure when Makhachev will be ready to return to the Octagon. Makhachev captured the UFC Welterweight Championship after defeating Jack Della Maddalena back in Nov. 2025.
Are you disappointed that Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev wasn’t booked? Do you see the fight happening before 2026 comes to a close? Start the conversation below.