2. Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria
You know you are seeing special things when fighters are making multiple appearances on this list.
The number one and number two pound-for-pound fighters in the world today are not backing down from the challenge of the other. Many thought this fight would happen, but Islam Makhachev had his own sights on historic gold first. It just so happens that it materialized for Ilia Topuria four months earlier.
Both ride an impressive run going into this potential bout. Makhachev is riding high and has run roughshod over elite competition in Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, Alexander Volkanovski, and more. Topuria is on a historic run of his own, stopping Oliveira, Volkanovski, and Max Holloway in consecutive fights.
You can make this bout anywhere. Any city would host it happily. Makhachev would enjoy a crowd advantage in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Topuria would create massive scenes should they be able to bring the UFC to Spain. If the White House will indeed be the biggest event possible then it makes sense that such a fight should go there.
Now we have the intangibles. Topuria was not the tallest of featherweights to begin with and would now be moving up two weight classes in as many years to make the fight happen. You can argue he has nothing to lose and all to gain by attempting to become a three division champion, but would such a mountain simply be too much to climb when facing such a skillful opponent?
Of all the bouts on this list, I’ll admit it has arguably the most hurdles towards being made. Topuria is not likely to fight until the middle of the 2026 at the earliest. It is then highly likely that the promotion will have him face the winner of the interim title fight taking place in January. Thirdly, Makhachev by this point is not lacking contenders himself and could very well be booked. Finally it is on all parties: Topuria to move up, Makhachev to accept the challenge, and the UFC to put two divisions on hold (again) in order to finally make the fight happen.
