Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria, the lightweight super bout everyone wanted to witness, officially fell off the matchmaking board. As Makhachev moved up to 170 pounds after Belal Muhammad lost his Welterweight Championship to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315.

Following UFC 315, Dana White announced that Ilia Topuria would face Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC Lightweight title. Islam Makhachev will face Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title as he moves up later this year.

That said, many felt disappointed as the highly anticipated Makhachev vs. Topuria bout came close to reality but was ultimately canceled.

Experts and pundits believe it will now be included in the list of dream bouts that may never happen.

Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria UFC Super Bout Future Plans Report

Regardless, our team has gathered an exclusive update regarding the fight. Our sources have informed us that Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev is still in the plans. Islam would return to 155 once the 170 title is secured.

Perhaps the matchmakers are hopeful that both Islam and Ilia will win their upcoming bouts. The 2026 could see this superb bout come to fruition—if everything goes according to plan.

Islam and Ilia Got Into a Verbal Spat 

While speaking in an interview, Ilia Topuria called out Islam Makhachev for moving up. He also claimed that Khabib’s protégé had officially ducked him by moving to welterweight.

Islam Makhachev quoted the video on X (formerly Twitter) and fired back, saying that Topuria is nothing in front of him, and should get a win against Oliveira before they consider the fight.

“Difference between me and you, that I cleaned top list in my division, moved to next, but you ran away from two contenders who had consecutive 5–9 wins in FW division. You are nobody in LW division, just a big mouth from Spain with nice haircut. Go get one W, and we can talk, boy,” wrote Makhachev.

Topuria responded by quoting:

“The difference between you and me is that I am a man and you are a coward. I speak and fight. You talk and hide. Run away far, leaving no trace. Ты маленький пацан,” wrote Ilia.

The difference between you and me is that I am a man and you are a coward. I speak and fight. you talk and hide. Run away far, leaving no trace. Ты маленький пацан. https://t.co/kDuhhdIB8t

— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) May 15, 2025

With Topuria and Makhachev still active, it will be interesting to see how things unfold.

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