At 28 years old, Ilia Topuria is building an impressive trajectory towards legendary status in MMA. Undefeated with 17 wins, the Spaniard won the featherweight title (up to 65,7kg) by defeating Alexander Volkanovski , defended the title against Max Holloway , and then moved up a weight class to knock out Charles Oliveira , also securing the lightweight title (up to 70,2kg). With two titles on his resume and three legends defeated, the champion's next step is even bolder.
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In an interview with 'TMZ Sports', Topuria revealed his plan to pursue a third UFC belt. His target now is Islam Makhachev , former lightweight champion and current welterweight competitor. According to the Spaniard, the Russian's weight class change was a maneuver to avoid a direct confrontation between them. In the ideal scenario envisioned by 'El Matador', the long-awaited superfight would take place in a bout between champions, should Makhachev win the title in his new division.
“He made a good decision. If the UFC had offered Gaethje, he would have stayed at lightweight, but he knows I’m going to put him to sleep… I would love to see Islam win the belt, and the UFC let me move up to welterweight to go for a third title,” said the lightweight champion.
Former welterweight champion wants to welcome Ilia Topuria to new weight class
Despite Ilia Topuria aiming for a super fight against Islam Makhachev in his potential move up to welterweight, there are athletes in the division ready to welcome him with open arms. In a video published on his YouTube channel, Belal Muhammad downplayed the Spaniard's chances of success in the new weight class, highlighting the physical difference between lightweight and welterweight. Confident, the Palestinian fighter offered himself up to face Topuria in a possible confrontation.
“At 77 kg, size definitely matters. Going from 70 to 77 kg is a big difference. I welcome Topuria if he wants to move up to welterweight. Come on, let’s go,” said Belal Muhammad.
Ilia Topuria has a line of challengers before thinking about changing categories
Before thinking about moving up a weight class, Ilia Topuria still has a series of fights ahead of him in the lightweight division. After knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 , the Spaniard had a face-off with Paddy Pimblett right there in the octagon, indicating that the Briton could be his next challenger.
Besides Pimblett, other big names are waiting for a title shot. Arman Tsarukyan , who was the official reserve for the main event at UFC 317 , and Justin Gaethje , a former two-time title challenger, are in direct contention. Running as an outsider, Brazilian Mauricio Ruffy dreams of facing the champion and promises that when that day comes, he will put Topuria to sleep.
Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev still needs to win the welterweight title for the superfight against Ilia to become a reality. The division title is currently held by Jack Della Maddalena , who defeated Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 and was crowned the new champion. Among the strong names in the category, Makhachev stands out as the next challenger to the top spot.
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Read More about: Alexander Volkanovsky, Belal Muhammad |, Charles of the Bronx, Ilia Topuria, Islam makhachev, Max Hollway, UFC
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