Historic First: Ilia Topuria Proposes Pound-for-Pound Title Fight Against Islam Makhachev in Unprecedented UFC Power Move

Ilia Topuria just made the most audacious proposal in UFC history. The lightweight champion didn't simply call out Islam Makhachev for a superfight—he proposed creating an entirely new championship belt, one that has never existed in the promotion's 30-year history. A pound-for-pound title fight. This isn't negotiation theater or Twitter posturing; this is a calculated, strategic move that addresses one of combat sports' most fundamental problems: how do you fairly crown the greatest fighter in the world across two different weight classes?

The context is crucial. Islam Makhachev just became the UFC's eleventh two-division champion after dominating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. Topuria is the lightweight champion and, depending on who you ask, the pound-for-pound number one fighter on the planet. The size difference between 155 pounds and 170 pounds is significant—roughly 15 pounds in real competition weight after the weigh-ins. For Topuria to move up to welterweight to face Makhachev would require a massive cut into his lightweight frame, potentially compromising his competitive advantage and long-term health.

Makhachev has already made this clear. The Dagestani champion recently told the press that any fight at lightweight would require "a very good deal" because weight cuts are taking years off his health. Moving down to lightweight, the weight class where he forged his elite record, isn't feasible for a man trying to preserve his longevity. He won the welterweight title by dominating at 170 pounds, and he wants to stay there.

This is where Topuria's proposal becomes genuinely brilliant. Why not meet in the middle—literally? Propose a catchweight fight at a weight between lightweight and welterweight, with a brand new championship on the line. Not the lightweight belt. Not the welterweight belt. A pound-for-pound belt that recognizes the greatest fighter in mixed martial arts, regardless of their natural weight class.

It would be the first time the UFC has ever held such a title. Historically, the promotion has avoided this because it complicates their championship structure and marketing. But the Dana White Paramount era ushers in a new phase of the UFC. This is a moment when the promotion can do something unprecedented—legitimize pound-for-pound rankings by making them tangible, meaningful belts.

The financial implications are staggering. A Topuria versus Makhachev fight at catchweight for the UFC's first pound-for-pound championship is arguably the biggest fight the promotion could make right now. Both fighters sit atop the sport's credibility rankings. Both have legitimate claims to being the best. Both have the charisma, the finishing power, and the technical skill to make it an instant classic. This isn't a celebrity boxing match or a wrestler attempting to play MMA. This is pound-for-pound elite versus pound-for-pound elite.

Topuria's plan also includes a fallback: if Makhachev refuses the catchweight proposition, Topuria is open to defending his lightweight title against Paddy Pimblett. It's a smart negotiating position. Topuria doesn't leave himself powerless. He has options. But the message is clear: he wants Makhachev, and he's willing to change the sport's title structure to make it happen.

The beauty of this proposal is that it solves the eternal debate about who is truly the greatest fighter. Nate Diaz recently called Makhachev boring and dismissed his pound-for-pound credentials. Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria has consistently called out Makhachev after being unimpressed with his performance against Della Maddalena. A pound-for-pound title fight forces both men to settle it in the octagon, at weights where both can be competitive. No excuses about size advantages. No debates about who refused what. Just pure competition.

Will Dana White and the UFC create this historic new title? That remains to be seen. But Topuria has done something remarkable here—he's not just called for a superfight, he's fundamentally altered the conversation about what a championship in mixed martial arts should mean.