The UFC boss meets Khabib and decides Islam Makhachev’s plan

The UFC Vice President has expressed a firm stance on scheduling a fight for Islam Makhachev through a meeting with Khabib Nurmagomedov and the Russian fighter’s manager.

Is Islam Makhachev’s next fight going to be against Ilia Topuria? – That is one of the biggest questions currently facing the UFC.

As Makhachev’s team strongly denies that Ilia Topuria deserves a title shot right after moving up in weight, UFC Vice President and Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell met with manager Rizvan Magomedov and former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov to discuss the matter.

Khabib, who plays a significant role in Makhachev’s decisions as a mentor, shared a photo with Hunter Campbell in Dubai, showing that the UFC leadership is taking Makhachev’s situation very seriously.

Hunter Campbell (second from the left), Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Rizvan Magomedov

A few days later, Hunter Campbell appeared again in a photo with Islam Makhachev in Dagestan, further fueling hopes among fans eagerly awaiting the lightweight champion’s return.

Hunter Campbell’s role at the UFC has long been recognized as the right-hand man to President Dana White in handling the organization’s affairs. In 2024, the documentary Fighters Inc: Inside the UFC was released, leaving viewers impressed with Campbell’s behind-the-scenes responsibilities and influence.

Previously, Hunter Campbell had flown to the United Kingdom to speak with Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion who has been consistently demanding a unification bout with reigning champion Jon Jones. The meeting was believed to be aimed at calming the British star, ensuring that negotiations for the title unification fight could proceed smoothly, as Aspinall and his team had grown increasingly frustrated with the prolonged wait.

Hunter Campbell also traveled all the way to Dagestan to meet with Islam Makhachev

Currently, Ilia Topuria—the rising star expected to face Islam Makhachev—has confirmed that he will be fighting at UFC 317 on June 29. With less than two months to go until the event, the main event has yet to be officially announced.

In addition to Islam Makhachev, another potential headliner for UFC 317 is former champion Charles Oliveira, who has reportedly begun an intensive training camp at the same time as both Topuria and Makhachev.

As a result, the outcome of UFC Vice President Hunter Campbell’s recent meetings is now the most anticipated news. Will Ilia Topuria face Makhachev or Oliveira? We may find out within the next few days.