Ilia Topuria: Islam Makhachev shares "best time" for "biggest fight" against Ilia Topuria

While the highly anticipated fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria hasn't come to fruition yet, the Dagestani remains determined to take on 'El Matador', and has now revealed his perfect timeline for the bout.

Before Makhachev chose to move up to welterweight to try and claim a second UFC title, pressure was mounting on him to take on Topuria, who was then preparing for his own move to 155 pounds.

Fate, however, had other plans - Makhachev moved up to 170 pounds and is set to face Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight strap this weekend at UFC 322; meanwhile, Topuria claimed the lightweight championship, knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.

Nevertheless, Topuria has mentioned on several occasions that he is game to face Makhachev at 170 pounds, and now it appears the fight might materialize sooner rather than later.

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During a recent live stream with Adin Ross, the former pound-for-pound king reaffirmed his interest in fighting 'El Matador', sharing a potential timeline for the bout:

"It's going to happen. It is maybe the biggest fight. Biggest fight everybody knows it, and I also want it, and I think next year [2026] is the best time."

Check out Islam Makhachev's comments on a potential Ilia Topuria fight below:

According to BestFightOdds' projected betting line for the fight, the closing lines would see Makhachev as a -180 to -114 favorite with Topuria as a -114 to +155 underdog.

Ilia Topuria wants to fight Islam Makhachev at 170 pounds and not 155

While Islam Makhachev hasn't completely ruled out dropping back to 155 pounds for the right fight, Ilia Topuria would much rather take on the former lightweight champion at 170 pounds.

During the UFC 317 media day, 'El Matador' got brutally honest about why he wants the Dagestani at the higher weight class, saying:

"It would be much better for me to fight him at 170 [pounds], and I will beat him and get the third title. That would be the best scenario for me."

Topuria became the 10th two-division champion in the promotion's history after winning the lightweight crown at UFC 311. If Makhachev emerges victorious at UFC 322, he'll join the elite club at No.11.