Islam Makhachev pivots away from Kamaru Usman showdown in favor of massive super fight at the White House

Islam Makhachev is ready to book Ilia Topuria for his first title defense, over a potential matchup with former titleholder Kamaru Usman.

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev teased a potential fight with former titleholder Kamaru Usman for his first title defense. But three months after he won his second UFC title, Makhachev has reversed course in favor of another massive showdown.

Makhachev won the UFC welterweight title by defeating Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision at UFC 322. Since his victory, several top contenders, including Michael Morales and Ian Machado Garry, have made strong arguments for the next title shot.

Makhachev has also repeatedly teased a future showdown with UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria in recent weeks. Ahead of the upcoming White House event, Makhachev appears open to granting Topuria the right to be his first title defense.

Islam Makhachev makes strong case to headline UFC White House: ‘I’m ready!’

In a recent interview with Telegraf, Makhachev was asked about the idea of revisiting the Topuria fight for his first welterweight title defense.

“I like this idea,” Makhachev said of the Topuria fight.

“If the UFC wants [this fight], I know a lot of MMA fans want this fight, I’m ready.” (h/t MMA Fighting)

Makhachev believes he’s a top candidate to headline the upcoming White House card following Ramadan.

“One of the arenas where maybe I’m going to fight next,” Makhachev said.

“We have the Ramadan month, I’m not going to train for one month. After that, I will slowly begin my training camp, and I will be ready. White House [or] other dates, I will be ready.”

But Makhachev has another big fight standing in the way of a potential matchup with Topuria. After Justin Gaethje’s interim lightweight title win at UFC 324, he appears on track to oppose Topuria later this year for the unified championship.

What fight do you want to headline UFC White House? Let us know in the comments!