UFC CEO Dana White sent shockwaves through the MMA world this week while speaking to The Mac Life, sparking a frenzy with his cryptic hint that something major is in the works for reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. His statement has ignited intense speculation, leaving fans wondering—what’s next for the 155-pound kingpin? After his dominant first-round victory over Renato Moicano at UFC 311 last month, marking his fourth successful title defense, Islam Makhachev made his intentions clear. “I don’t see a lot of work to do in my division, I’ve beaten almost everybody,” he said, implying that the lightweight division offers little in terms of fresh challenges.

With uncertainty surrounding the lightweight champ’s next move, two major reports have surfaced regarding Makhachev’s future. The first, Russian MMA media outlet RedFuryMMA on Instagram claims that Dana White has given the Dagestani prospect the green light to move up. “Dana White seems to give the green light to Islam Makhachev to move to the semi-middle division.” However, another MMA media outlet MMA Surface on X refutes claims of Makhachev moving to either welterweight or middleweight.

Instead, it suggests that featherweight champion Ilia Topuria is set to move up to 155 lbs. Citing renowned MMA journalist Steven Nagelsmann, the report states, “Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria close to being finalized for UFC 314 on April 12th in Miami, Florida.” So, Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev at 155 lbs? This idea first emerged last year, but Dana White put it on the back burner, as ‘El Matador’ has only defended his title once. Meanwhile, the Dagestani native has dismissed the idea as “not making sense,” stating that it would leave him with “no (second) belt” and bring criticism.

This is particularly notable given that Makhachev has already defeated former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski twice—first at UFC 284 and then at UFC 294. Though initially reluctant to face Ilia Topuria, Makhachev now has one condition for the matchup. But what is it? Let’s find out.

What is Islam Makhachev’s condition to face Ilia Topuria?

“In terms of money, I get what is outlined in my contract. You can earn big money once you’re a double champion, if I fight Topuria, my contract remains the same,” Islam Makhachev said last year, addressing the restrictions in his contract, despite being willing to put his title on the line against the featherweight kingpin. However, if Islam Makhachev finds himself lacking competition in the lightweight division, he’s open to facing the “smaller” Ilia Topuria at 155 lbs.

Speaking to Adin Ross on YouTube, the 155lbs kingpin outlined his condition for putting his lightweight title at risk: “If I clean my division and people want it, why not? One day, I can do it. Yeah, easy for me. I never choose my opponents. I don’t say, ‘I want to fight’ or ‘I don’t want to fight.’ My whole career, I’ve asked to fight the top guys. Now, I’m asking for a real contender, someone who deserves a title shot. I don’t need some money fight or anything like that. I want to defend my belt against people who truly deserve to fight for it.”

At this moment, there are no new updates on Islam Makhachev’s next move. The ball is now in the UFC’s court, and Dana White will be the one to share any news regarding the Dagestani prospect’s upcoming challenge. Stay tuned for the latest developments.