Here’s a bold statement: the most anticipated MMA fight isn’t Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira—it’s Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria. But here’s where it gets controversial... Khabib Nurmagomedov, a voice that carries weight in the MMA world, firmly believes that Makhachev and Topuria would deliver a showdown that eclipses even the legendary names often thrown around. Let’s break it down.
This Saturday, Makhachev steps into the octagon at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden, challenging Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title. To make this fight happen, Makhachev had to vacate the lightweight championship—a belt he defended four times consecutively. This move opened the door for Ilia Topuria, who seized the opportunity with a jaw-dropping knockout of Charles Oliveira last June. Now, while Makhachev and Topuria are on separate paths, the possibility of a future clash—whether at 155 or 170 pounds—looms large. And according to Nurmagomedov, this matchup would outshine the oft-discussed Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira.
And this is the part most people miss... When asked to compare the two fights, Nurmagomedov told Josh Thomson on YouTube, ‘I think right now, yeah, I think Topuria-Islam can be the biggest fight. Not Jon Jones and Pereira.’ Why? Because Makhachev and Topuria are arguably the top two pound-for-pound fighters in the world today, making their potential showdown a battle of the best against the best.
Now, let’s not downplay Jon Jones and Alex Pereira. Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, boasts a staggering 28-2 record (with one no-contest). His lone disqualification loss and a knockout overturned due to a failed drug test are mere footnotes in an otherwise dominant career. At 38, Jones retired briefly last June but quickly expressed interest in returning for a historic bout, possibly against Pereira, at the proposed UFC White House event in 2026. Pereira, also 38, is in his second reign as UFC light heavyweight champion and briefly held the middleweight title. Both fighters are eager to make this matchup a reality.
But here’s the kicker... Nurmagomedov isn’t convinced Jones vs. Pereira reaches the same heights as Makhachev vs. Topuria. ‘Still a big fight, but not on that level,’ he said. ‘I don’t think it’s the same level.’ His reasoning? Makhachev vs. Topuria pits the current best against each other, while Jones vs. Pereira, though historic, feels more like a showcase bout—especially for an event like the UFC White House card.
Speaking of which, Nurmagomedov hinted that the White House event should feature more American fighters. ‘If a Georgian fighter fights against a Russian fighter, it’s not interesting in front of the White House. It has to be American fighters representing their country,’ he explained. A bold take, but one that sparks debate.
So, here’s the question for you: Do you agree with Nurmagomedov that Makhachev vs. Topuria would be the bigger fight, or do you think Jones vs. Pereira deserves the top spot? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
