Undefeated UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria captured the 145-pound championship at UFC 298 in February by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski within the second spherical. In his first title protection, at UFC 308 in October, Topuria grew to become the primary fighter ever to knock former titleholder Max Holloway out.
“El Matador” was rumored to be going through Volkanovski in a rematch subsequent however it seems that Topuria has his eyes set onmoving as much as the light-weight division. The 27-year previous champion lately known as out former light-weight champion Charles Oliveira.
Topuria mentioned his determination to maneuver as much as the 155-pound weight class in a social media submit on Thursday and mentioned he is not going to depart the featherweight championship vacant.
“I cannot depart the title vacant. The choice to maneuver as much as the following class is fully mine,” Topuria wrote on X. “I have not had any conversations with the UFC but, so every little thing continues to be to be determined. Cease celebrating as a result of I’m not going wherever.
“I’ve conquered my division and I’ll do the identical within the subsequent one.”
I cannot depart the title vacant. The choice to maneuver as much as the following class is fully mine. I haven't had any conversations with the UFC but, so every little thing continues to be to be determined. Cease celebrating as a result of I’m not going wherever. I’ve conquered my division and I’ll do…
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) December 12, 2024
Dana White: ‘There’s loads of challenges for Topuria at 145.’
Whereas Topuria has not spoken to the struggle promotion about his intentions to simply accept fights at light-weight, UFC CEO Dana White has weighed in on the it. Previous to UFC 308, White was questioned in regards to the potential of Topuria shifting to light-weight.
“That is Ilia’s first title protection. Earlier than we begin speaking about guys shifting as much as different weight lessons, I imply, while you have a look at Max Holloway who moved up. He had worn out the whole division. The very best 145 pounder, blah, blah, blah. Then Volkanovski,” White mentioned on the time. “There’s loads of challenges for him at 145.”
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