Demetrious Johnson does not think that Ilia Topuria will remain an MMA hunter for too much longer.
The 28-year-old became a two-weight champion by eliminating Charles Oliveira on UFC 317.
It seems that the new UFC pound-for-pound number one has just started in sport.
However, Ilia Topuria could call it a day in a few years, according to the recently retired former UFC flying weight champion.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC
Demetrious Johnson makes Ilia Topuria Pension prediction
Demetrious Johnson dominated the lower weight classes for years before he stopped it in September 2024.
The 38-year-old flying weight goat believes that Topuria will follow him out of the sport in the not too distant future.
“I think he is a unicorn,” Johnson said on his YouTube channel.
“I may see him fighting three or four times, maybe five Max, and he will disappear.
“Unbeaten, he could be a potential khabib [Nurmagomedov].
“Someone who just leaves the sport, such as:” I'm done. I don't have to prove anything.
“Won De Riem on 145, 155 and S – he may also be able to fight on 170.”
Ilia Topuria's list of potential opponents
Ilia Topuria faced Paddy Pimblett in the immediate aftermath of his victory over UFC 317.
However, that does not necessarily mean that 'The Baddy' gets the next crack on 155 pounds of gold.
Arman Tsarukyan is the number one competition for lightweight and deserves a title shot.
A fight with UFC CEO Dana White means that he can be overlooked for the next fight of Topuria.
Former interim light weight champion Justin Gaethje is also in the mix, but is in danger of retiring if he has not granted a title shot, he has not gained no favors.
Only the time will tell who the UFC and Topuria will decide to book as his next opponent.