UFC fans debate over potential Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria outcome after latter's ice-cold warning following UFC 311

Ilia Topuria sent shockwaves through the MMA world following Islam Makhachev’s historic fourth title defense at UFC 311. After defeating Renato Moicano via submission on short notice, Makhachev cemented his legacy as the first lightweight to defend the title four times, surpassing legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov and B.J. Penn.

Topuria, the reigning featherweight champion, wasted no time issuing a bold challenge to Makhachev. The Spaniard took to X, declaring:

"Islam, if you want to, I can finish you. If you want to, I can knock you out. I'll make it look easy. See you soon."

Topuria has been on a tear, knocking out Alexander Volkanovski to claim the featherweight title at UFC 298 and dispatching Max Holloway at UFC 308. With limited competition at 145 pounds, 'El Matador' has expressed interest in moving up to lightweight for a shot at double-champ status.

Fans were quick to react to the prospect of a Makhachev-Topuria clash. While some doubted Topuria’s ability to compete with Makhachev's dominance, others backed the featherweight champ:

“Ilia’s gonna get absolutely destroyed then hater’s gonna cry about him being a featherweight. Lose lose for Islam sadly.”

Another countered:

“I believe Topuria is in another level. Makhachev has his days counted.”

Check out some of the fan reactions below:

Fans react to a potential Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev fight. [Screenshot courtesy: X]

As discussions heat up, the potential matchup could be one of the most anticipated super fights in UFC history, with both champions riding high and their divisions seemingly out of challengers.

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Islam Makhachev aims for double-champ status

Islam Makhachev, fresh off his record-breaking fourth consecutive lightweight title defense at UFC 311 in Los Angeles, has expressed interest in exploring new challenges. While committed to defending his belt at 155 pounds, Makhachev hinted at ambitions beyond his current division.

At the post-fight press conference, he reiterated his openness to facing any challenger in the lightweight division but revealed he’s considering a future as a double or even triple champion.

The lightweight king stated:

“I don’t know when it’s gonna happen, but I told you, I’m not leave this sport without a second belt, I need the second belt, after I will talk like I’m the greatest or something. But right now, my goal is to be double champ. I don’t know if it’s gonna be next fight or when. I’m gonna [keep] fighting, [keep] winning, defend my belt. How many times the UFC want me to defend my belt, I will defend. And even when they give me chance, I want to be [defending] double champ.”

He even entertained the possibility of fighting middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis if the UFC presented him with the opportunity:

“I can be three-division [champion] also. Just give me the chance, I will fight with Dricus Du Plessis. If they give me the chance, I will fight with him also. I swear if Dana White send me contract, I will fight with him also.”

With most of the Lightweight division’s top contenders already defeated, Makhachev’s dominant run has left fans wondering what’s next. For now, he remains focused on defending his title but Makhachev has made it clear he’s ready for any challenge the UFC sends his way.

Check out Islam Makhachev's comments below (3:09):