Why Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria Isn’t Happening Yet, According to Khabib

[Barbel Nomad]

Hey tribe—Barbell Nomad here, coming at you with something beyond the barbell today. The fight world’s buzzing: Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria. Two champions. Two paths forged in fire. One eventual collision.

But before we let the hype sweep us away, let’s slow down. Khabib Nurmagomedov—the mountain behind Makhachev’s rise—just shared some wisdom. And if you’ve followed this game long enough, you know Khabib doesn’t chase cameras. He speaks when it matters.

This isn’t just about belts or beef—it’s about legacy, timing, and staying true to the warrior code.

Setting the Stage: Makhachev and Topuria’s Current Status

Right now, Islam Makhachev is the king of the UFC lightweight division. He’s not just winning—he’s dominating. With back-to-back title defenses and razor-sharp grappling, Islam’s proving he can handle a long reign. He’s cleaned out some serious names already, and he’s got the confidence of a man who trains with purpose.

Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria is on a warpath in the featherweight division. Undefeated. Dangerous. Full of confidence. After grabbing the title with that statement win over Volkanovski, Topuria's stock has exploded. And now, fans want a champion vs. champion collision. Sounds like a dream, right?

Khabib’s Perspective: Why the Fight Can Wait​

But here’s where Khabib Nurmagomedov steps in with the cool-headed wisdom. In a recent interview, Khabib explained that this fight? It’s not part of the plan. Not now.

According to Khabib, Islam’s focus should be on defending the lightweight belt. Not just once or twice, but also by building a clean legacy with multiple dominant defenses. That’s how you make history—not by jumping divisions too fast.

Plus, Khabib’s all about career longevity. Strategic steps. Letting rivalries build organically, not forcing matchups for short-term buzz. Respecting weight classes is part of that discipline.

Timing and UFC Promotional Strategy​

Let’s not forget that the UFC knows how to build a super fight. They don’t rush into them. If Dana White’s waiting, it’s for a reason. The longer Makhachev dominates, the bigger his name gets. The more Topuria wins, the louder his voice becomes. That builds tension. And tension sells.

Rushing into a crossover bout now might leave money—and hype—on the table. The UFC plays chess, not checkers. They want the moment to explode when it finally happens. That’s how you break pay-per-view records.

Ilia Topuria’s Rise and Callouts

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Now, let’s talk about Ilia Topuria—he’s not staying quiet. The man’s got swagger, skill, and momentum. After snatching the featherweight title, he made it clear: he wants more. He’s marketing himself as the next two-division superstar, and Makhachev is in his sights.

Topuria’s rise is impressive. His knockouts, his timing, his sharp boxing—he’s the real deal. But he’s also smart. He knows that calling for a super fight boosts his profile and builds pressure on the UFC to consider it. He’s playing the game well.

What Needs to Happen Before the Fight Can Make Sense​

Here’s the truth—a lot has to line up before this superfight makes real sense. First, Topuria needs to defend his featherweight title. Prove it wasn’t just one big night. Prove he owns that division.

Meanwhile, Islam has to keep clearing out the sharks at lightweight. Build his legacy, pad his résumé. That’s how you get two-division kings with undeniable dominance. That’s when the UFC can market the fight as something massive. Until then, it’s all hype. Great for the headlines, but not quite ready for the Octagon.

Khabib’s Bigger Picture Strategy for Islam

It is where Khabib’s vision shines. He’s building Makhachev’s career with a focus on legacy, clean wins, strategic growth, and no shortcuts. It mirrors how Khabib did it—dominance at 155, no distractions, no gimmicks.

Khabib knows that super fights burn hot and fast, but legacy lasts. That’s why he’s guiding Islam through the long game. You don’t rush a champion—you build one brick by brick.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Why isn’t Makhachev vs Topuria happening right now?

According to Khabib, the timing isn’t right. Islam still has top contenders to face at lightweight, and Topuria needs to defend his featherweight belt. The UFC wants to build the fight properly for maximum impact.

Will Makhachev vs Topuria eventually happen?

It’s likely—if both men continue to dominate their divisions. Once they’ve solidified their positions and the demand is sky-high, the UFC may pull the trigger.

Is this just UFC hype, or is the fight real?

The interest is real, but the fight is still speculative. UFC hype plays a role in creating anticipation, but both fighters have a business to handle in their current divisions first.