Championship Crossroads: Merab Dvalishvili Calls for Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria Super Fight

The MMA world is buzzing with potential superfights, and bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili has thrown his opinion into the mix. “The Machine” believes there’s only one logical path forward for two of UFC’s most dominant champions: Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria need to face each other now.

With lightweight king Makhachev seemingly in a holding pattern and fresh featherweight champion Topuria calling for big opportunities, Dvalishvili sees no reason to delay what could be one of the most anticipated champion vs. champion clashes in recent memory.

Why Makhachev vs. Topuria Makes Sense Now

Let’s be real – the timing couldn’t be better. Makhachev has cleared out much of the lightweight division’s top contenders, while Topuria’s shocking knockout of Alexander Volkanovski instantly established him as a major star. With both fighters in their prime and riding impressive winning streaks, the window for this dream matchup is wide open.

“This fight has to happen now,” Dvalishvili stated in a recent interview. “Islam doesn’t have a clear number one contender, and Ilia wants to make history. The fans want it, the fighters want it – why wait?”

It’s hard to argue with Merab’s logic. The UFC has increasingly leaned into champion vs. champion bouts to create marquee events, and this potential matchup offers a compelling stylistic clash between Makhachev’s suffocating grappling and Topuria’s devastating power.

The Champion’s Dilemma

For Makhachev, the situation is particularly interesting. After back-to-back victories over former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, he’s cleared most immediate threats at 155 pounds. While fighters like Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira remain in the mix, neither presents the same commercial appeal as a champion vs. champion showcase.

Sources close to Makhachev’s camp indicate he’s been contemplating a move to welterweight for a potential third championship, but Dvalishvili believes facing the rising Georgian star Topuria makes more immediate sense.

The Risk and Reward for Topuria

For “El Matador” Topuria, a challenge against Makhachev represents the fastest route to superstardom. After dismantling two featherweight legends in Volkanovski and Holloway, moving up to face arguably the most dominant lightweight in UFC history would cement his legacy regardless of outcome.

I’ve watched Topuria’s rise closely, and what impresses me most isn’t just his power, but his unwavering confidence. He called his shot against Volkanovski and delivered spectacularly. That same self-belief could be the x-factor against Makhachev’s technical dominance.

“Topuria isn’t afraid of anyone’s grappling,” Dvalishvili noted. “He believes in his power and his ability to keep the fight standing. That’s what makes this matchup so intriguing.”

Dana White’s Perspective

While UFC CEO Dana White hasn’t officially commented on Dvalishvili’s suggestion, insiders report that the promotion is seriously considering the matchup for early 2024. The timing would align perfectly with the UFC’s traditional first-quarter PPV schedule, potentially setting up a blockbuster event in February or March.

The financial upside is undeniable. Both fighters have strong regional followings – Makhachev in the Caucasus region and beyond, Topuria in Spain and Georgia. A champion vs. champion clash would easily justify a major venue and international promotion.

What’s at Stake?

Beyond the immediate title implications, this potential superfight represents a collision of two distinct fighting philosophies. Makhachev embodies the evolution of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s pressure-heavy grappling system, while Topuria represents the new breed of technically perfect strikers with defensive wrestling capabilities.

The winner wouldn’t just hold two belts – they’d have a legitimate claim to the pound-for-pound top spot and perhaps even greater mainstream recognition than the sport’s current stars.

The People’s Champion Weighs In

Dvalishvili’s interest in this matchup isn’t entirely selfless. As a teammate of former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and a top contender himself, “The Machine” understands the value of champion vs. champion fights in elevating the sport’s profile.

“These are the fights that grow MMA,” Dvalishvili explained. “When you put two undefeated champions against each other, you create moments people remember forever.”

He’s not wrong. From Georges St-Pierre vs. BJ Penn to Conor McGregor vs. Eddie Alvarez, the most memorable champion vs. champion clashes have defined entire eras of UFC history.

What’s Next?

For now, both champions are recovering from recent title defenses, but the clock is ticking on making this dream matchup a reality. The longer the UFC waits, the more likely other contenders emerge or injuries derail the potential clash.

If you’re as excited about this possibility as I am, let your voice be heard on social media. The UFC has shown they respond to fan interest when booking major fights, and this could be the superfight that defines 2024.

What do you think? Is Makhachev vs. Topuria the fight to make, or should both champions focus on their respective divisions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: UFC.com