Topuria Eyes Makhachev Fight by Year's End

Ilia Topuria has not abandoned his ambition to fight Islam Makhachev, despite his immediate focus on defending his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje on June 14 at the UFC.

The Georgian champion will put his lightweight title on the line in a unification bout against Gaethje. Should Topuria emerge victorious, he is eyeing a subsequent matchup against Makhachev, who currently holds the welterweight championship and ranks atop the pound-for-pound standings.

"If it would be my choice, I would fight him on this card or by the end of the year," Topuria told ESPN. "I'm excited, too. I'm a fighter. This is what I do every day of my life, so why not test my skills against someone like him? He is a very skillful fighter, I respect him as a fighter. He dominated the whole division for I don't know how many years."

While Topuria maps out his trajectory, Makhachev's attention appears focused on a potential summer title defense against top contender Ian Machado Garry, though this remains unofficially confirmed. Topuria credits Garry with legitimate chances against the favored Makhachev and recalls that Makhachev has previously been knocked out in a fight.

Topuria maintains a composed outlook regarding the uncertainty surrounding a potential showdown with Makhachev, suggesting that any outcome ultimately works in his favor.

--- Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/486636/morning-report-ilia-topuria-wants-islam-makhachev-fight-by-end-of-the-year