‘I need his head on my list’… Ilia Topuria targeted by rival willing to fight him at middleweight

Ilia Topuria has a bomb to defuse, with one of the most talented fighters in his division willing to chase him through the weight categories until he signs on the dotted line.

The Spanish-Georgian has established himself as the best featherweight in the world, but there are still challengers lining up, ready to try and take his crown.

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Movsar Evloev won't stop until he gets into a fight with Ilia Topuria

Ilia Topuria had a remarkable 2024, starting the year with an explosive knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski and capping it off with a truly devastating finish against Max Holloway.

With that in mind, the power puncher has flirted with the idea of ​​moving to lightweight.

But regardless of whether he stays at 145 pounds or makes the step up, he will struggle to shake off Movsar Evloev, who is absolutely determined to meet him in the cage.

The Russian, who has just secured a narrow and somewhat controversial victory over Aljamain Sterling, is prepared to do whatever it takes to secure the showdown he so desperately desires.

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In an interview with MMA Fighting he said: “Ilia has started talking about him going up. I don't know what's going on. But for me it doesn't matter who my next opponent will be. When the champion moves up he will vacate the title, I will get the title and then I will follow him. lightweight is not too far for me.”

The fighter then added: “Even if he moves up, I will take the belt first because it is my first goal, and then I will go after him even if he moves up to middleweight. He's not a big guy. I don't need to lose weight to beat this man. I want his head on my list.”

Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria face off to be crowned Bloody Elbow 2024 Fighter of the Year

While Topuria has thoroughly enjoyed the past twelve months, he wasn't the only mixed martial artist to excel.

Alex Pereira had a phenomenal run, knocking three opponents unconscious with brutal knockouts.

With that in mind, 'Poatan' and 'El Matador' were by far the best competitors in 2024.

But who chose Bloody Elbow as 'The Fighter of the Year'?

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