Ilia Topuria (left) and Islam makhachev (right) are big names in the UFC. photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
Ilia Topuria seems to have real confidence in his relationship with the UFC leadership. The former featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg) vacated the belt to move up to the lightweight category (up to 70,3 kg), dominated by Islam makhachev. Many questioned the decision of 'El Matador' (now 'The Legend') with speculation and discussion rampant as to whether he would actually challenge for the belt immediately.
But it appears Topuria has decided to put an end to all the noise. The Georgian-Spanish fighter claims the UFC guaranteed him a lightweight title fight when the vacancy discussions were underway. And so far in his experience dealing with the company, he says there’s no reason to have any doubts.
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“The UFC promised me that I would fight for the belt. That’s why I vacated it. And they always kept their promise,” Topuria told reporters in Madrid, Spain.
Despite Topuria's comments, there is no evidence at this point that his statement is 100 percent accurate. UFC president Dana White said earlier this month that Topuria's next fight has not been decided and it is possible he will fight someone else before challenging for the belt.
Meanwhile, Makhachev has not publicly commented on the situation, although his team has made it clear that they do not want Topuria to be the next challenger for the UFC lightweight title. Makhachev reportedly argued that he has already fought a former featherweight champion twice, Alexander Volkanovsky.
— Irati Prat (@IratiPratSC) March 30, 2025
During a recent live broadcast of the 'Fight Companion', UFC commentator Joe Rogan shared his belief that Topuria won't be fighting for lightweight gold right away.
“I don’t think that’s happening. I wonder what they’re going to do with Topuria. I like Topuria against (Charles) Oliveira. Oliveira is so tall, so dangerous everywhere, huge reach advantage. These lightweights are really big, Islam is huge,” Rogan said.
Meanwhile, the former champion Charles of the Bronx has gotten into something of a war of words with the Georgian-Spanish fighter on social media and in interviews. Ultimately, it will be up to UFC brass to determine what comes next in the lightweight title fight.
The featherweight title vacated by Topuria will be disputed between the former champion Alexander Volkanovsky against the Brazilian living in Mexico, Diego lopes, at UFC 314, scheduled for April 12th.
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