UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria isn't counting out Ian Machado Garry's chances against Islam Makhachev, and he's making it clear that in the fight game, anything can happen.

Machado Garry (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) has emerged as a top contender for a shot at welterweight champion Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC), even though the champ himself hasn't fully committed to the matchup yet. If the fight does materialize, Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) believes the Irish standout has what it takes to pull off a surprise.

"It's the fight business. Everyone has chances – everyone, and especially someone like Ian," Topuria told ESPN MMA. "He's been collecting a lot of experience during his run in the UFC, and why not? I see him with a lot of chances. And Islam, we already saw him getting knocked out in a fight, and why not for a second time?"

Topuria himself has been eyeing a showdown with Makhachev for some time, but the two have yet to meet in the octagon. Instead, the undefeated champion is set to defend his lightweight title against interim champ Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, taking place at the White House in Washington D.C.

But what happens if Machado Garry manages to dethrone Makhachev? For Topuria, the answer is simple: he's ready for whatever comes next.

"I'm the type of person at the end, whatever happens, my mindset is like it's good for me," Topuria said. "Whoever wins, it's good for me. Everything happens for a reason. So I don't care."

With the lightweight division heating up and a potential shake-up at welterweight, fans are in for an exciting stretch of fights. Whether you're rooting for the champ or the challenger, one thing is certain: in MMA, you can never count anyone out.