Hold onto your seats, fight fans, because the debate over the biggest potential UFC matchup just got a whole lot more heated! Khabib Nurmagomedov has thrown a curveball into the ring, disagreeing with Joe Rogan’s claim that Alex Pereira vs. Jon Jones is the most monumental fight in history. But here’s where it gets controversial: Khabib believes the real blockbuster is Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria. Could he be onto something, or is he missing the mark? Let’s dive in.
Joe Rogan recently declared Pereira vs. Jones as the ultimate showdown, a fight he believes would shake the foundations of combat sports. However, Khabib, affectionately known as “The Eagle,” isn’t convinced. In a recent appearance on the Weighing In podcast, he argued, “Right now, Islam vs. Topuria is gonna be the biggest fight, not Jones and Pereira. It’s still a big fight, but not on that level.” Bold words, but what’s the reasoning behind them?
To understand Khabib’s perspective, let’s break down the context. Jon Jones, the former heavyweight champion, retired in June after avoiding a matchup with interim champ Tom Aspinall for over a year. Yet, just weeks later, Jones re-entered the drug testing pool, seemingly eyeing a return—possibly tied to President Donald Trump’s plans for a UFC event at the White House in 2026. Meanwhile, Pereira reclaimed his light heavyweight title with a dominant win over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, immediately calling out Jones for a superfight at heavyweight. Sounds epic, right? But Khabib isn’t sold.
On the flip side, there’s Makhachev vs. Topuria—a matchup Khabib insists is even bigger. Islam Makhachev, with a near-flawless 27-1 record, recently moved up to welterweight after his friend Belal Muhammad lost the title to Jack Della Maddalena in May. Makhachev is now set to challenge Maddalena for the welterweight crown at UFC 322 this weekend at Madison Square Garden. Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria, the former featherweight champ, has teased a move up to welterweight to face Makhachev if he secures the title. This fight, Khabib argues, has all the ingredients for a historic showdown: two dominant champions, a title on the line, and a rivalry that transcends weight classes.
But here’s the part most people miss: Khabib’s argument isn’t just about current hype—it’s about legacy and impact. While Pereira vs. Jones would undoubtedly draw massive attention, Makhachev vs. Topuria represents a clash of two fighters at the peak of their powers, with implications for multiple divisions. Is Khabib’s take a masterstroke of insight, or is he underestimating the star power of Jones and Pereira? And this is the part most people miss: Could this debate reveal deeper divides in how we define a “big fight”—is it about names, or about the stakes?
As the MMA world buzzes with speculation, one thing’s clear: Khabib has sparked a conversation that’s as fiery as it is fascinating. What do you think? Is Makhachev vs. Topuria the real biggest fight, or does Pereira vs. Jones still take the crown? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate where every opinion counts!
