Renato Moicano e Ilia Topuria are UFC highlights. photo: SUPERLUTAS montage
The year 2024 was the best of his career. Ilia Topuria so far. The Spaniard won the featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg) by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski and defended the title also with a knockout over Max Holloway. After beating two historic fighters in his division, 'El Matador' suggested that, in 2025, he would try to repeat the feat in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg).
Renato Moicano, who has already competed in both categories, has no doubt that Topuria can succeed in this change. In an interview with MMA Fighting, 'Money' stated that he believes in the Spaniard's potential in the higher category, even with the size disadvantage compared to the other athletes. The Brazilian recalled a performance by the featherweight champion in the lightweight division and pointed out that, if the Spaniard can defend takedowns, his skill and knockout power could be decisive.
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"I Think Ilia Topuria is very good, and he's smaller. But if he can defend takedowns, and I know he has a good ground game, but if he can defend takedowns, I think he can knock out a lot of people at 70 pounds. He fought at lightweight against Jai Herbert. I fought against Jai Herbert and I know he's very good and very tall, taller than me. Even though Jai Herbert "Even though I kicked him in the head and almost knocked him out, he survived. He took that kick and then destroyed Herbert... So, I don't think size and physique would be a problem," explained the Brasilia native.
While Ilia Topuria reflects on your future, Renato Moicano is preparing to strengthen his bid for his first UFC lightweight title fight. The Brazilian, who accumulated three wins and no losses last year, will face Beneil Dariush No. UFC 311, scheduled for the 18th.
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