It would appear that UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria’s reign might have been a one-and-done affair…
Topuria enjoyed a standout 2024 inside the cage, with a title crowning via knockout at the expense of Alexander Volkanovski and successful defense by way of a violent finish against Max Holloway leaving him in a strong year within Fighter of the Year discussions.
While the Spaniard has been getting plenty of plaudits since becoming the first man to sleep “Blessed” in Abu Dhabi this past October, talk has unsurprisingly turned to what could await him in 2025.
From a rematch with Volkanovski to first-time showdowns with Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev, the latter of whom staked his claim with a victory over Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310 this past weekend, Topuria doesn’t appear short on options.
According to the champ himself, however, those names aren’t enticing enough.
During a recent interview with Spanish radio show El Partidazo de COPE, Topuria dropped a bombshell on his UFC career, suggesting that he’s likely competed at featherweight for the final time and will vacate the belt in order to move up to lightweight.
“There were talks of Miami, but I’m not sure because there are still some pending conversations,” Topuria said. “We need to talk about it and take a look at my future. For me, it is very clear how I want to do it. I’d like to move up to the next weight class.
With a superfight against 155-pound kingpin Islam Makhachev not on the table right now as the Dagestani gears up to meet the challenge of Arman Tsarukyan in Los Angeles next month, Topuria pitched a title eliminator with Charles Oliveira instead.
“Since Islam is the champion fighting in January and won’t be ready for April or May, I’d like to fight the number one contender right now, who’s Charles Oliveira,” Topuria stated. “I’d like to move up a weight class. … Maybe there’s a change coming. … (It’s) very likely (you’ve seen my last fight at featherweight).”
@Topuriailia, en directo en @partidazocope
— El Partidazo de COPE (@partidazocope) December 9, 2024
"Tal vez toca un cambio…"
"¿Si habéis visto mi último combate de peso pluma? Sí, seguro que sí"
Oliveira believes he secured a shot at returning to the lightweight throne when he once again got the better of Michael Chandler at the Madison Square Garden-held UFC 309 pay-per-view last month.
“Do Bronx” has outlined his intention to be present at the Intuit Dome when Makhachev and Tsarukyan collide, anticipating that his next opponent will be decided.
Topuria’s plans could throw a curveball into the mix, however. But it remains to be seen if his plan to shockingly end his featherweight stint will be supported by the promotion, especially with growing calls for “El Matador” to defend his gold in Spain next year.