Exclusive! Islam Makhachev speaks for Telegraf: "I am ready for Topuria, as for the White House..."

One of the best MMA fighters of today, the current UFC welterweight champion, Islam Makhachev, has arrived in Serbia where he was welcomed by the leaders of the Serbian MMA and Boxing Federations, Luka Nikolic and Nenad Borovcanin.

During his stay in the Serbian capital, Makhachev was also received by President Aleksandar Vucic, to whom the Dagestani fighter presented the gloves he wore during his last match, when he made history and won the welterweight belt.

Makhachev visited the 2026 IMMAF European Championships, which is held in the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade, and on that occasion, Makhachev also spoke exclusively for Telegraf.

In an interview with our portal, Makhachev revealed how he feels in Serbia, but also spoke about the next steps in his career, a potential match against

Ilia Topuria, as well as possible participation in a UFC event in the White House.

• Islam, it's great to see you here in our country. Let's start with that, how are you feeling and how do you like Serbia?

- Very nice. Your president invited us and welcomed us very well. It's a pleasure to be here and today is a great event, the European Championships, I saw the young generation and it reminds me of how many times I competed in other different sports and amateur is a big step for the new generation.

• You recently made history by winning the welterweight title, what's next for you and is there a specific name you would like to face next in the UFC?

- Now in my division there are enough contenders who deserve to fight for the title. The UFC has to give me a new target, that's it, I'm just waiting.

• There has been a lot of talk about a potential fight between you and Ilia Topuria. How do you look at that situation?

- I like this idea. If the UFC wants it, and I know a lot of MMA fans want this fight, I'm ready.

• What about the fight in the White House in Washington? Are you thinking about that?

- It is also one of the arenas where maybe I'm going to fight next. We have the Ramadan month so I will not train for a month and after that I will slowly begin my training camp and I will be ready. (Whether it's) the White House or other dates, I'll be ready.

• How do you like Serbia and have you tried Serbian food?

- Yes, we were in some restaurants. We are stayung in a very nice area close to the water. It's good, almost like in our country.

• And what is your message for all your fans in Serbia and in other countries around the world?

- I know that I have a lot of fans in Serbia. MMA is popular in Serbia, and even today the European Championships is held here. I just want to say thank you to all the people who support me around the world, especially in Serbia.

• How do you like the organization here?

- It's good. Like I said, four cages in the same arena I've never seen before. It's a very good opportunity for the kids.

(Telegraf.rs)