There is a storm brewing in the UFC, and Ilia Topuria is at its very core. The undefeated Spanish-Georgian is not happy with being a one-division king; he wants to do what no other fighter in UFC history has done: hold three championships across three categories. It seems ludicrous at first. Unrealistic. Almost arrogant. But then you look at his streak, his confidence, and the way he destroys opponents like he’s in a different league—and the idea doesn’t seem so insane. Now, owing to a stroke of luck and a few vacated belts, that wild fantasy is starting to look more like a possible option.
Aleksandre Topuria, Ilia Topuria’s older brother, just revealed what their family truly wants from this journey. When ‘El Matador’ relinquished his featherweight belt and transitioned to lightweight, the natural next step appeared to be a fight with Islam Makhachev. However, Islam Makhachev decided to try his luck at welterweight instead, leaving the 155-pound title up for grabs.
Enter Charles Oliveira. The Spanish-Georgian now fights ‘Do Bronx’ for the vacant lightweight crown, which is the first stage in what Aleksandre refers to as “the perfect scenario.” In a recent interview, Aleksandre Topuria did not hold back. His vision? His brother defeats the fighter from the favelas and moves to welterweight in pursuit of a new title.
He told Enrique Gimeno MMA, “The perfect scenario would be for Ilia to win, for Islam to win in the welterweight division, and then for Ilia to fight for a third belt. Historic.” Well, it surely would be historic. Three divisions. Three titles. A moment that would break UFC records and set a new standard that no one has ever surpassed.
And Aleksandre Topuria isn’t saying this as an optimistic sibling who’s dreaming big on the sidelines. He’s a fighter himself, so he understands how vicious and unforgiving this sport is. For him to speak this aloud indicates that they believe in it more than anything. In fact, they’re not fantasizing; they’re plotting.
Ilia Topuria’s brother, Aleksandre, reveals the ‘perfect scenario’ for Ilia’s next two fights:
“The perfect scenario would be for Ilia to win, for Islam to win in the welterweight division, and then for Ilia to fight for a third belt. Historic.”
(via. @enriquegimmma) #UFC317 pic.twitter.com/vkdnh4RRMV
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 19, 2025
But the truth is that everything depends on the two fighters doing everything right. Ilia Topuria must defeat one of the most deadly submission artists in the game. And Islam Makhachev? He has to walk into the welterweight division and seize the throne like it’s just another day at work. There are a lot of “ifs.” And MMA has a strange way of derailing even the best-prepared plans.
One wrong move, one quick knockout, one surprise guillotine—and the perfect scenario is gone. Aleksandre Topuria’s goal may be historic, but it is also hanging by a thread that connects two of the sport’s most unpredictable competitors. But what if the Spanish-Georgian succeeds, and it is Islam Makhachev who fails to get the gold? Will we see the return of the Dagestani to lightweight and challenge ‘El Matador’ for the gold? Well, not as per Topuria.
Ilia Topuria refuses to grant Islam Makhachev a title opportunity
Ilia Topuria may be after greatness, but he isn’t giving away golden tickets to everyone, especially a fighter whom he believes ducked him. As the lightweight division prepares for a new king at UFC 317, ‘El Matador’ has made it clear that if he wins the crown and Islam Makhachev fails in his welterweight goal, the Dagestani would not be greeted warmly. The belt will be his, and he will set the rules of engagement.
The Spanish-Georgian has not minced words on Makhachev. When things became serious, the defending lightweight champion “moved out” rather than “moved up” in his eyes. From the start, Topuria questioned Islam Makhachev’s bluff, pointing out how he promised he wouldn’t leave just to do so when a serious threat arose.
Now that Makhachev is after a second belt and ‘El Matador’ is fighting for the one he left behind, the Spanish-Georgian star sees no need to offer him a shortcut back to the top. In fact, he has stated that if Makhachev wishes to return, he will have to wait his turn, just like the other contenders. There is no immediate redemption, no preferential treatment.
He said, “So after this fight, when I have the belt, he can get in line, which is a long one, and someone’s eyes will be shining.” Well, it seems like he truly meant it, and the Dagestani will now have to wait in line again. Because when you walk away from a fight, you walk away from the front of the line. And in Topuria’s opinion, Islam made his decision. What do you think? Will Aleksandre Topuria’s plan find success? Let us know in the comments.
The post Fate of Aleksandre Topuria’s “Historic” Plan for Brother Ilia Hangs in Charles Oliveira & Islam Makhachev’s Hands appeared first on EssentiallySports.