
Ilia Topuria | Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Ilia Topuria: From Featherweight Champion to Lightweight Challenger
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the MMA community, UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria has announced his intention to leave his current division and move up to the lightweight division. This revelation, brought to light by an exclusive interview with Submission Radio, marks a significant shift in Topuria’s career trajectory and potentially sets the stage for some of the most anticipated matchups in UFC history.
Topuria has been nothing short of dominant at 145 pounds, securing the featherweight belt with a knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 and defending it against Max Holloway at UFC 308. However, as per his coach’s confirmation on Submission Radio, Topuria’s days at featherweight are now numbered. The decision to move up stems from the increasingly difficult weight cuts and a desire to challenge himself in a new weight class before aiming to retire by the age of 30.
The featherweight division will likely now see a vacancy at the top, opening up opportunities for contenders like Volkanovski, who might seek to reclaim his throne, or Diego Lopes, who has recently stepped into the limelight. Yet, all eyes are turning towards the lightweight division where Topuria is poised to make his mark.

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The Road to Makhachev
The most entertaining fight to make in Topuria’s new lightweight division is undoubtedly a showdown with the current UFC Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev. This matchup promises to be banger of the ages, echoing the historical significance of another legendary fight: Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Makhachev, who trains under Khabib, is also a master of Dagestani wrestling, with a dangerous all-around game that has left many opponents scrambling for answers. Topuria, however, brings to the table a blend of striking precision, power, and a BJJ black belt, making him Makhachev’s most versatile threat yet. The potential fight between Topuria and Makhachev could very well redefine the lightweight division, much like McGregor and Nurmagomedov did back in 2018.
It would seem likely that Topuria would immediately get a title shot for his lightweight debut, fighting the winner of Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2. Makhachev has already beaten many of the top contenders in the division, leaving plenty of room for Topuria to fit his way into the title picture. Given Tsarukyan could beat Makhachev in their fight at UFC 311, nothing is set in stone, but the fans are certainly expecting Makhachev to come out on top for a future Topuria match.
Echoes of McGregor vs. Nurmagomedov
The McGregor-Nurmagomedov fight was not just about the championship; it was a cultural phenomenon, blending the harsh, confident style of McGregor with Nurmagomedov’s disciplined, almost mythical fighting prowess. Their encounter at UFC 229 remains one of the highest-grossing pay-per-view events in UFC history, fueled by intense personal rivalry and opposing fighting styles.
Similarly, a Topuria-Makhachev fight could transcend the sport, pitting Topuria’s flair and knockout power against Makhachev’s strategic wrestling dominance. Both fighters are at the peak of their careers, with Topuria’s aggressive, crowd-pleasing style reminiscent of McGregor’s, and Makhachev’s relentless pressure and ground game echoing his mentor Nurmagomedov’s.

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The Impact on UFC
Topuria’s move could reshape the landscape of both weight classes. In the featherweight division, new stars will emerge, while the lightweight division might witness a new era of competition. If Topuria manages to secure a title shot against Makhachev, the fight could ignite the same level of global interest and fan engagement as McGregor vs. Nurmagomedov, potentially setting new records for viewership and engagement.
Ilia Topuria’s decision to potentially vacate his featherweight title and move up to challenge the lightweights is a bold strategy that speaks volumes about his confidence and ambition. However, unlike McGregor’s immediate title shot upon moving up, Topuria might need to navigate through the likes of Charles Oliveira or Dustin Poirier first, ensuring he earns his spot at the top. This journey could add layers to his story, much like McGregor’s before his iconic clash.