UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker isn't buying what Ilia Topuria is selling regarding the titleholder's teased move to the UFC's 155lb division.
UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria's next fight could potentially be a lightweight bout after the Spaniard teased a move up a division instead of defending his 145-pound title. While he has since made sure he won't give up the featherweight title in the process, Topuria appears uninterested in taking on another top contender after finishing Max Holloway in his first title defense at UFC 308.
Despite teasing a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski immediately after UFC 308, Topuria has backed off that claim and targeted a clash with Charles Oliveira for his lightweight return. At the time of writing, the UFC has not yet announced the return bookings of Topuria and Oliveira following their recent wins.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
The UFC matchmakers haven't provided an in-depth response to Topuria's lightweight requests, but they typically don't allow champions to switch weight classes after one title defense. But Conor McGregor is one of the few exceptions, having vacated the featherweight title following a full-time weight gain earlier in his career.
Dan Hooker, Volkanovski's teammate and an up-and-coming lightweight prospect, believes Topuria's planned lightweight move is a calculated decision to keep himself relevant.
Dan Hooker attacks Ilia Topuria for a planned lightweight move
In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Dan Hooker reacted less than enthusiastically to Topuria's targeted lightweight disruption.
“Classic s***. It's pretty clear that he's just working according to McGregor's playbook. Rule 1 in McGregor's playbook is to keep your name in the headlines,” Hooker said of Topuria. “That's all I see: Topuria keeps its name in the headlines. The guy doesn't fight that often, I think he'll fight Volk sometime next year, March or April.
Hooker was then approached with the idea that Topuria does not want to face Volkanovski in a rematch, despite their post-fight UFC 308 bout.
“Don't get in the damn cage and agree to fight him, you bastard!” Hooker replied. “You let him go in the cage, had a confrontation with him and you said you would fight him. From man to man? That's that, you've already agreed to a fight, and now how are you going to back out?
Although Topuria seemed to embrace the early comparisons to McGregor, the cordiality between them has disappeared over the past year. Things have quickly escalated between the two brash superstars and the dialogue has become threatening at times.
McGregor was scheduled to return earlier this year at UFC 303 against Michael Chandler before withdrawing due to a toe injury. At the time of writing, McGregor's planned UFC return remains a mystery after Dana White once again postponed a comeback window.
Ilia Topuria puts featherweight title photo in limbo over lightweight comments
Topuria captured the UFC featherweight title by finishing Volkanovski at UFC 298 earlier this year. He remains undefeated in his professional career after defeating Holloway and has recent victories over the likes of Josh Emmett and Bryce Mitchell.
Volkanovski wants an immediate title shot for his planned return to featherweight despite the uncertainty surrounding Topuria's title reign. He may well deserve the title after a long run in the championship, including victories over Brian Ortega, Holloway and The Korean Zombie.
Topuria appears to be pushing for a move to lightweight after his first featherweight title defense. But for Hooker, Topuria is looking to increase relevance despite his 2024 Fighter of the Year case.
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