I. Topuria is the former UFC featherweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufcbrasil
After leaving the featherweight title (up to 65,7 kg), Ilia Topuria is ready to face new challenges in the UFC lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg). In an interview with 'Men's Health Spain', the Georgian expressed his confidence in being considered the world champion of the division, even before an official fight in the category.
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“I am the lightweight world champion. I am clear about that, otherwise I will not change weight. I will not sign up for a competition without knowing if I will win or not. No one is at my level,” said the former champion.
Ilia has already achieved some great victories in the featherweight division, including knockouts over Max Holloway e Alexander Volkanovsky. However, the team of the current lightweight champion, Islam makhachev, suggests that Topuria needs to prove himself in the division before receiving a title shot.
Options for Ilia Topuria at UFC lightweight
Other names that have been mentioned as possible opponents for Topuria include Charles of the Bronx e Paddy Pimblett, but none of these fights have been officially announced. The former champion's move to lightweight has generated great anticipation, especially after he vacated the featherweight title. Diego lopes now has the chance to fight for the featherweight belt against Alexander Volkanovsky.
Topuria decided to move up a weight class due to the physical strain caused by the weight cut required to compete at featherweight. He is looking for a new challenge and, possibly, a second UFC title. The possibility of facing Makhachev during International Fight Week in late June is one of the main speculations.
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