Newly crowned UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is setting his sights on a potential blockbuster bout against the winner of the highly anticipated fight between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev.
What makes this challenge even more historic is Topuria’s interest in having the fight take place at the UFC White House event, scheduled for July 4, 2026, a celebration marking America’s 250th Independence Day. The event was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, adding a layer of national pride and global attention to what could be the most symbolic stage in UFC history.
However, before stepping into the octagon for a superfight, Topuria must first defend his newly acquired title against one of the top lightweight contenders.
According to UFC insiders, possible opponents for his next bout include Paddy Pimblett, Justin Gaethje, and Arman Tsarukyan—each presenting a unique challenge for the Spanish-Georgian striker. That title defense is expected to take place before the end of 2025, setting the stage for a grand showdown next year.
In a recent interview, Topuria expressed confidence and enthusiasm about a future clash with Makhachev.
“Why not? I would love to fight in front of the United States of America. We’ll see what’s gonna happen,” Topuria said, highlighting his willingness to fight on American soil for such a landmark event.
Adding to the intrigue, UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov recently shared his thoughts on a podcast, suggesting that Jack Della Maddalena may pose a bigger threat to Islam Makhachev than Topuria does—an assessment that is sure to fuel debate among fans and pundits alike.
Meanwhile, the UFC White House event is generating massive buzz. Superstars like Jon Jones and Conor McGregor have also reportedly expressed interest in competing on the card. With so many high-profile names aiming to secure a spot, UFC matchmakers face a complex task in creating a lineup worthy of such a historic moment in American sports and combat history.
All eyes are now on Topuria’s next defense and the outcome of Makhachev vs Maddalena—two key events that will shape the narrative heading into what could be the most iconic night in UFC history.
