Ilia Topuria, currently a lightweight contender, has expressed his intention to move up to the welterweight division to challenge Islam Makhachev if Makhachev wins the UFC welterweight title. Topuria is scheduled to fight Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 for the lightweight championship, and if successful, he aims to become the first UFC fighter to hold titles in three weight classes by pursuing the welterweight belt. Topuria described a potential matchup against Makhachev for the welterweight title as the "perfect scenario" and a historic "champion versus champion" fight. UFC President Dana White has confirmed that if Makhachev defeats Jack Della Maddalena to claim the welterweight title, a superfight against Topuria would be arranged immediately. Topuria also stated that if Makhachev loses at welterweight and returns to lightweight, he would not grant him an immediate title shot, insisting Makhachev would need to re-earn his position. The prospect of a Topuria-Makhachev fight has been widely regarded as a stylistically compelling matchup and a major event in the UFC landscape.