Ilia Topuria will offer to become a two -way champion against Islam Makhachev later this year.
The featherweight champion won his first belt by eliminating Alexander Volkanovski on UFC 298 last February 2024.
Ilia Topuria then defended it spectacularly by sleeping Max Holloway in October on UFC 308.
Now he has decided to go up the lightweight and to combat the pound-for-pound number one hunter of the UFC.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Dana White announces the decision of Iliam Topuria
On Wednesday evening, Dana White went live on Instagram to announce a whole series of Big Fight News.
The UFC boss in particular revealed that Topuria will leave its title, which will be for the taking when former champion Alexander Volkanovski will take on the UFC 314 Main Event on 12 April.
“Topuria had the feeling that he has done everything he can in that division, and he feels like he has cemented his legacy, and his body can no longer reach the weight,” said White.
“So Topuria will move a maximum of 155 pounds and will leave the featherweight title.
As soon as the first punch is thrown in [Volkanovski vs. Lopes]The title has been abandoned.
“We will announce what the next fight by Topuria will be if we get it done.”
Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria is reportedly in the making
Immediately after White broke the news of Topuria's decision, Ariel Helwani claimed that a fight between 16-0 superstar and Islam Makhachev was already in the making.
The experienced MMA reporter believes that the two men can meet during the International Fight Week in June.
“The plan is that Ilia Topuria fights Islam Makhachev against Islam Makhacheve later this year, I was told. Maybe as fast as IFW, 'tweeted Helwani. “Many to digest and dissect. Will soon upload a fast REOX video to the channel. “
The plan is that Ilia Topuria fights against Islam Makhachev later this year, I was told. Maybe as soon as ifw.
Many to digest and dissect. Will soon upload a fast REOX video to the channel.
– Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 20, 2025
View tweet
Makhachev is fresh from a quick entry victory over UFC 311 Late replacement opponent Renato Moicano.
There is currently no clear number one candidate at lightweight, but the protege of Khabib Nurmagomedov has interested in Justin Gaethje, provided that on 8 March he will receive hooker on UFC 313 on UFC 313.
However, if the plan is for Makhachev to defend in June, there is no chance that Gaethje will be ready by that time.
Topuria is logical and is perhaps one of the biggest fights that White can make possible in 2025.
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