Former UFC Vederweight Champion Ilia Topuria wants to write history.
Topuria has already achieved a lot in the largest stage in MMA. After an undefeated start of UFC Life, 2024 saw the Georgian-Spaniard win and defend the title of 145 pounds.
But while Topuria's knockouts by Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway seemed to mark the start of a long division rule, that will not be the case.
Instead, a new chapter starts in the career of the 28-year-old when Topuria fights against Charles Oliveira on 28 June for the empty lightweight belt on UFC 317.
And when it comes to winning gold, 'El Matador' does not intend to stop there.
Michael Bisping expects Ilia to beat Topuria Charles Oliveira before he focuses on the third UFC title
The UFC has crowned a number of two-division champions, but no hunter in history has won titles in three separate weight classes.
In the past, people like Conor McGregor, Henry Cejudo and Alex Pereira have discussed the opportunity to become the first. Now it is the turn of Topuria to think about the performance.
During the WOW 19 event in Alicante on 17 May, the UFC event suggested that a new movement went up in order to pursue the welterweight belt in its future.
Former UFC champion Michael Bisping, for example, would not count Topuria.
“Okay, so Ilia Topuria could become the very first UFC-three-weight champion,” said Bisping in a YouTube video. “That is a daring scream, and that is a crazy scream. There are many things that have to happen before this falls into place and becomes a reality, but it can just happen.
'I would say that there is a very good chance of it [Topuria beating Oliveira] happens. … now [after UFC 317] He is the lightweight champion of the world, he has become a two -weight champion.
'Like Islam [Makhachev] Beats Jack della Maddalena … Islam vs. Topuria. These two are destined to meet, “continued Bisping.” If Islam goes to 170 and becomes the champion, Ilia Topuria will say, “I want to go to 170.” … Since the Star Power Ilia has Topuria, chances are that the UFC will make that matchup. “
Ilia Topuria can join Conor McGregor, Alex Pereira, Jon Jones with UFC 317
Before Topuria may have a three-weight glory, Topuria must first join the exclusive club of two-division kings and Queens.
To date, nine hunters have reached the top position in two weight classes. The first was heavyweight and light heavyweight legend Randy Couture, while the most recent goat candidate was Jones.
Of those 10, four have kept two belts at the same time – Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Henry Cejudo.
NamedivisionsSmultaneousRandy CoutureHeavyweight & Light Heavyweightnobj Pennwelterweight & Lightweightnoconor McGregorfeREHERWEREIGHT & LIGHTWEIGHESGEGESGEGES GEPIERLIGLIGT HEAVLIGNNANIEL OF Heavyweightyesamanda Nunesbantamweight & Featherweightyeshenry Cejudoflyweight & Bantamweightytyesjon Joneslight Heavyweight & heavyweightnoalexpoiddleweight & Light Heavyweightno
Oliveira has the task to prevent Topuria from adding its name to that list on the International Fight Week in June.