Here’s a bold statement: the most anticipated MMA fight isn’t Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira—it’s Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria. And this is the part most people miss: Khabib Nurmagomedov, a legend in the sport, firmly believes this matchup would eclipse any other, including the oft-discussed Jones-Pereira showdown. But why? Let’s break it down.
This Saturday, Makhachev steps into the octagon at UFC 322 in New York’s Madison Square Garden, challenging Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title. To make this fight happen, Makhachev had to vacate his lightweight championship—a belt he defended four times consecutively. This move opened the door for Ilia Topuria, who seized the opportunity with a jaw-dropping knockout of Charles Oliveira last June. Now, while Makhachev and Topuria are on separate paths—170 pounds and 155 pounds, respectively—the possibility of a future clash between them looms large. And if it happens, Nurmagomedov insists it would be the biggest fight in MMA today.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Nurmagomedov dismisses the hype around Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira, a matchup many fans and analysts have been salivating over. Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters ever with a near-flawless 28-2 record (excluding a no-contest), retired briefly in June but quickly hinted at a return for the proposed UFC White House event in 2026. Pereira, currently in his second reign as UFC light heavyweight champion, is equally eager for this historic bout. Yet, Nurmagomedov argues that Makhachev vs. Topuria—pitting the current top two pound-for-pound fighters in the world—would surpass it in significance.
“Still a big fight, but not on that level,” Nurmagomedov said of Jones vs. Pereira. “I don’t think it’s the same level.” His reasoning? Makhachev and Topuria represent the pinnacle of active MMA talent, while Jones vs. Pereira feels more like a legacy bout than a current-day showdown.
And this is the part most people miss: Nurmagomedov also questions the suitability of Jones vs. Pereira for the UFC White House card. “If you’re making a White House fight, it has to be more American fighters,” he explained. “A Georgian fighter against a Russian fighter in front of the White House? It’s not as interesting. It should be American fighters representing their country against others.” This perspective adds a layer of cultural and geopolitical nuance to the discussion, sparking debate about what truly makes a fight “big.”
So, here’s the thought-provoking question for you: Is Nurmagomedov right? Does Makhachev vs. Topuria deserve the title of the biggest fight in MMA, or is Jones vs. Pereira the more compelling matchup? Let’s hear your take in the comments—agree or disagree, this debate is far from over.
