Ilia Topuria can’t make welterweight — and even if he somehow did, the fight would be completely one-sided. It would be total domination for Makhachev. I’m sure he could submit Topuria, and the worst-case scenario for Makhachev would still be a comfortable 50–45 decision. So that’s really not a matchup anyone needs to see.
What would actually excite fans is seeing Makhachev face someone big, strong, and also an elite wrestler. I think Usman would have been a very tough matchup for him, but he seems to have lost some of his passion, and at 38 years old, I don’t think he can withstand five rounds of relentless chain wrestling anymore.
But Khamzat vs. Makhachev at middleweight? Now that would be incredibly interesting. I don’t think Khamzat could ragdoll Islam the way he did with some of his previous opponents. And if he can’t take Makhachev down easily — or even if he does once or twice — I believe Islam would find a way back to his feet. The real question is: can Khamzat maintain his cardio for five rounds without being able to dominate from top position?
This is the only fight that truly matters — both for Makhachev and for Khamzat.