The world of mixed martial arts just witnessed a massive change in the UFC leaderboards. Ilia Topuria has finally made the big move to the lightweight division and vacated his featherweight championship title. Well, this has put Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes against each other fighting for the vacant featherweight title at UFC 314. And Dana White has stepped into the dilemma of making the match between Topuria and Islam Makhachev. 

Well, the fighting world has been expecting this matchup for quite a while. ‘El Matador’ kept on nagging the lightweight champion, and Makhachev finally agreed to give him a chance. But when will the UFC head honcho make them fight each other? Of course, the bout has to be one that can attract the maximum attention and cheers from the crowd. Here are the three spots for White to make the match.

1. International Fight Week

The International Fight Week in Las Vegas, headlined by UFC 317, would probably be the UFC head honcho’s first choice to put Topuria against Makhachev. After all, International Fight Week is the single biggest annual event for the UFC. It draws attention from the entire globe like no other event. 

On top of that, Las Vegas events are known to deliver historic fights. These events often ensure that the fighters and the organization make enough profits to get a humongous paycheck. Apart from that, there’s the prestige that comes with it all. Well, the cards at UFC 317 would be stacked with action-packed fights, and headlining such an event would garner more attention than any other event. Given the high-profile nature of the matchup, UFC 317 would be nigh on perfect for Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev.

2. UFC Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is one of the venues where the European and Dagestani fighters usually benefit largely from their fights. Dana White and Co. often prioritize Abu Dhabi for high-profile matchups. Adding to the excitement, Abu Dhabi is like a second home to Makhachev. Meanwhile, ‘El Matador’ would be stepping into his enemy’s territory. This would enhance the drama between the former featherweight champion and the current lightweight champion. 

Furthermore, the time zone would also be favorable for the UFC to garner more viewership. Well, representing Georgia and Spain, Topuria would expect a huge viewership from his homelands. And the timeline for UFC Abu Dhabi would ensure that every single fight fan from Europe tunes in at the right moment. This would be quite profitable for the organization, don’t you agree? It was probably the reason why Topuria fought Max Holloway at UFC 308, in Abu Dhabi.

But there is one more venue that can excite the fighting community even more. And that’s Madison Square Garden, in New York City.

3. UFC Madison Square Garden

This venue is the highlight for legacy fights. If Topuria manages to defeat Makhachev, it would be nothing short of a historical moment for the fighting realm. Jon Jones defended his belt at MSG. Alex Pereira stopped Israel Adesanya at UFC 281 in MSG. Even Conor McGregor cemented his legacy and became the first fighter to hold two titles at the same time by defeating Eddie Alvarez.

Since Topuria was looking ahead to expand his name in the US, a battle in New York would be pretty helpful for him. It’ll make him a global superstar in case he wins. And if Makhachev wins, he would have defended his belt against the one prospect that the fans believed could defeat him. 

When do you think should White make the fight between Topuria and Makhachev? Do you think the Spaniard can maintain his undefeated streak against the Dagestani champion? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.