Regardless of many followers anticipating a protracted title reign for him at featherweight, Ilia Topuria has made a surprising revelation concerning his future within the sport.
‘El Matador’ has confirmed the doubters fallacious time and time once more, and is hoping to take action as soon as once more along with his subsequent profession selection. After knocking out Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski in again to again outings, the 27-year-old has his sights set away from the division.
Talking to a Spanish media outlet, Ilia Topuria revealed that his time as featherweight champion is coming to an finish.
Topuria needs to check the waters at 155 lbs within the close to future and has a reputation in thoughts for his return to the load class.
“Possibly there’s a change coming,” Topuria detailed throughout an interview with Spanish sports activities radio El Partidazo de COPE. “Sure, very seemingly [you saw my last fight at featherweight].”
“I’d like to maneuver as much as the subsequent weight class, and since Islam [Makhachev] is the champion preventing in January, and he received’t be prepared…”
“I’d prefer to combat towards the No. 1 contender proper now, who’s Charles Oliveira.”
Ilia Topuria is “very seemingly” achieved at featherweight and needs Charles Oliveira at 155 kilos. 😳 pic.twitter.com/8JMk1ehaUA
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) December 10, 2024
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Ilia Topuria has established himself as one of many best possible fighters on this planet and could also be granted his want to transfer up in weight and drive his manner into the title image.
His preferrred opponent, Charles Oliveira, is probably going inside touching distance of a title shot at light-weight following his win over Michael Chandler final trip.
The previous champion has expressed curiosity in preventing for UFC gold as soon as once more however should first await Islam Makhachev’s subsequent title protection.
Makhachev is scheduled to defend his strap towards Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311.
The Russian will headline the occasion on January 18 in what shall be his fourth protection of the light-weight throne.
