Matchmakers now must prioritize a cross-weight title bid that could reshuffle planned fight slots and promotional priorities for fighters and promoters. 10: 30 a. m. ET — Ilia Topuria’s public aim at a fight with Islam Makhachev and talk of new 70- and 77-kilogram events has created that pressure.
Ilia Topuria pushes for a 77-kilogram clash with Islam Makhachev
Ilia Topuria has stated he sees a fight with Islam Makhachev at 77 kilograms as the most suitable and attractive scenario, and that statement immediately raises the prospect of rearranging championship planning for two weight classes. Topuria said success in that bout would give him the chance to win a third UFC title, shifting the ranking and matchmaking priorities for both the 70-kg and 77-kg divisions.
Special-belt idea and scheduled 70/77 kg events follow UFC 317’s knockout of Charles Oliveira
Topuria has also proposed organizing major fights in the 70-kg and 77-kg categories and then staging a bout for a special belt to determine an overall best fighter across those weights; that proposal emerged after his last appearance at UFC 317, where he knocked out Charles Oliveira in the first round. That knockout adds momentum to Topuria’s bid and gives promoters a concrete headline to sell if they pursue cross-weight matchups.
Chris Weidman’s alternate picks and the UFC White House card conversation with Adin Ross involvement
Discussion of the UFC White House card has already included Ilia Topuria as a possible headliner, but Chris Weidman has suggested two different options would be preferable for that card, creating competing priorities for organizers. Separately, Topuria’s public appearance with Adin Ross drew attention on recent commentary shows, feeding debate about how to place him on marquee cards such as the UFC White House event.
Still, there is no official confirmation of a Topuria–Makhachev fight. Zamin. uz reported Topuria’s interview where he laid out the cross-weight plan and the special-belt idea, but promoters have not announced any booking or timeline tied to those concepts. For now, Topuria’s public challenge is a demand signal rather than a scheduled matchup.
Yet, Topuria’s stated goals create immediate commercial and sporting consequences: reshuffled title defenses could delay existing challengers in both divisions, and a special-belt project would require coordination across matchmakers, broadcasters and event planners. Ilia Topuria’s bid for a third belt elevates the stakes for Islam Makhachev’s camp and for contenders waiting in the 70-kg and 77-kg queues.
That said, the idea of cross-weight title events and a new special belt also creates opportunities: high-profile fights spanning 70 kg and 77 kg would generate promotional interest and give fighters like Topuria and Makhachev a chance to define legacies across divisions. The proposal has drawn fan debate and could change how the organization sequences title fights if it moves forward.
No official confirmation has been issued as of 10: 30 a. m. ET. If the UFC organizes the Topuria–Makhachev confrontation, Ilia Topuria would pursue a third title and the organization would need to announce scheduling and weight-class logistics before any bout can be finalized.
