Topuria reveals plan to give up belt, move up to lightweight and targets Charles do Bronx as rival

Ilia Topuria want to face Charles of the Bronx (Photo: Montage/SUPER FIGHTS)

After lining up two of the greatest legends in the history of featherweight (up to 65,7 kg), knocking out Alexander Volkanovsky to become champion and Max Holloway in the first defense of the title, Ilia Topuria appears to be ready to end his history in the division, move up a category and face none other than Charles of the Bronx.

During a recent interview with the Spanish radio program 'El Partidazo de COPE', the featherweight champion surprised everyone by stating that, at 27 years old, he believes he has finished his featherweight career and intends to move up a category before retiring at 30.

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“I’m 27 years old. I hope to stop when I’m 30. Right now, I no longer have the motivation to defend the belt in my division. Now I want to move up a category and see how everything goes,” said the champion.

Anyone who thinks that the plans for promotion proposed by Ilia Topuria are long term. With a lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) belt dispute scheduled between Islam makhachev e Arman Tsarukyan for January, the featherweight champion showed interest in facing Charles of the Bronx, former champion and current second place in the ranking.

“Since Islam is going to fight in January and wouldn’t be ready for April or May, I would like to face the number 1 contender, which is Charles Oliveira,” said Topuria.

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