Ilia “El Matador” Topuria has conquered the featherweight division, and now he’s setting his sights on an even bigger prize, the UFC lightweight championship. With his undefeated record and dominant performances at 145 pounds (ca. 66 kg), he has expressed his desire to fight at 155.
It was a chaotic Wednesday in Las Vegas, a day of announcements about the immediate future of the UFC. Ilia Topuria relinquishes his featherweight title and steps up to the lightweight divison, aiming to become a double champion. “Topuria has felt that he has done everything he can in that division… His body can no longer bear the weight… We will announce what Topuria’s next fight will be when we have it ready,” said Dana White, the president of the UFC, about the future of Topuria.
It is still uncertain whether Ilia Topuria will face Islam Makhachev and get an immediate shot at the 155-pound title. However, other potential opponents, such as Charles Oliveira or Dustin Poirier, remain in the mix. As of now, no official announcement has been made, but International Fight Week on June 29 seems like a promising stage for Matador’s lightweight debut.
One thing is certain: Ilia Topuria isn’t coming to just participate. He’s coming to take over.
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