Overview
- Topuria said at a press conference in Georgia that he wants Makhachev on the planned June 2026 White House card, calling it one of the biggest fights in UFC history.
- UFC CEO Dana White has teased the White House event but said no negotiations have begun and the lineup will not take shape until closer to 2026.
- Topuria vowed to move up in weight if Makhachev defeats Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322 on November 15 at Madison Square Garden.
- The callout drew visible backlash from fans over division stability, and Paddy Pimblett mocked Topuria on Instagram with a jab about contract signing.
- White also suggested Topuria could headline the UFC’s first major Paramount+ event in January 2026, though no opponent has been finalized, while Topuria has urged fellow Georgian champion Merab Dvalishvili to consider a move to featherweight.