Bad news for Alexander Volkanovski as Ilia Topuria’s head coach confirms move to lightweight division citing ‘dire’ reasons
UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria is set to snub a potential fight against Alexander Volkanovski and move to 155 lbs.
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Ilia Topuria snubs Alexander Volkanovski and is looking forward to make his return to lightweight division (Image via Imago)
Ilia Topuria is currently the UFC featherweight champion, having defeated Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. Since that victory, Topuria has continued to elevate his status within the promotion and has often generated buzz in the community. Recently, news about ‘El Matador’ has stirred up excitement, which could be concerning for fellow contenders looking to fight Topuria.
Over the years, the UFC community has seen many fighters struggle with weight cuts. Even those who have successfully made weight have faced challenges in this aspect of the sport. In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Topuria’s coach, Jorge Climent, discussed the difficulties Topuria has encountered while trying to make the 145-pound limit for his fights. Due to these challenges, El Matador is considering moving up to a higher weight class.
The reality is, he (Ilia Topuria) hates that weight (cut). He did it a lot of times. It’s harder everytime we do it… He doesn’t want to do it anymore. That’s why he wants to go up to the next weight class.
Jorge Climent via Submission Radio
Before moving to the lightweight division, Topuria generated significant interest from fighters in his current weight class. Notable prospects like Diego Lopes and former champion Alexander Volkanovski are both looking to secure a fight with the Spaniard. Climent has also shared his thoughts on a potential matchup between Topuria and Volkanovski.
I don’t think he (Ilia Topuria) is going to defend the featherweight title. I think he wants to go to lightweight… If Alex (Alexander Volkanovski) fights at featherweight, I don’t think (we will fight him again).
Jorge Climent via Submission Radio (Check from 3:55)
Climent recently mentioned that Topuria will no longer fight at featherweight or defend his title. However, his team may be interested in a matchup against Volkanovski, but only if the Australian fighter competes in the lightweight division.
Notably, the former featherweight champion has fought in the lightweight division twice but suffered defeats in both matches. It will be interesting to see if these two fighters meet again in the future. In the meantime, Topuria is attracting significant interest from fighters in the UFC lightweight division as well.
Ilia Topuria gets an interesting callout from a top UFC lightweight fighter
Ilia “El Matador” Topuria is recognized for his exceptional striking skills, which have enabled him to defeat several notable opponents in his division. Despite maintaining an undefeated record during the early days of his UFC career, he wasn’t well-known at that time. However, with his rising popularity, Topuria has captured the attention of everyone, including top UFC lightweight fighter Dustin Poirier.
Interestingly, Poirier has been eyeing a final fight in the UFC, as he has expressed his desire to retire afterward. In pursuit of this, the ‘Diamond’ has called out several formidable fighters in the promotion. Surprisingly, Poirier even called out top featherweight fighters, including Topuria.
I want Max or topuria
Dustin Poirier via X (@DustinPoirier)
I want Max or topuria
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) October 27, 2024
Regarding the relationship between Poirier and Topuria, the two fighters hold no grudges against each other. In fact, the UFC veteran has praised the UFC featherweight champion for his impressive victory over Max Holloway at UFC 308. However, at this time, there has been no indication of interest in a matchup from Topuria’s side, as he is focusing on fighting Charles Oliveira next.
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Nilaav Gogoi
(526 Articles Published)