Topuria: “If Makhachev loses to Maddalena, he can return to Dagestan and herd sheep”

Spanish mixed martial arts fighter Ilia Topuria said that Russian Islam Makhachev, if he loses to Australian Jack Della Maddalena in a fight for the UFC welterweight champion belt, may end up with MMA.

The title fight between Maddalena and Makhachev will headline the UFC 322 tournament, which will take place on November 15 in New York (USA). Earlier, the Russian fighter vacated the UFC lightweight title to fight for the welterweight belt.

“If Makhachev loses to Maddalena, he can return to Dagestan, to his farm, and continue to herd sheep,” Championship Rounds quotes Topuria as saying.

Topuria also said that he considers Makhachev an ideal possible opponent at the UFC tournament, which will be held in June 2026 on the grounds of the White House.

“This will be one of the biggest fights in UFC history.” Islam dominated everyone in its weight, rose [в другой вес]and our fight could become a fight of enormous proportions. This is in the interests of everyone, including the promotion,” said the UFC lightweight champion.

Watch live broadcasts of UFC tournaments on the Match TV and Match! Fighter”, as well as on the websites matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru.