“Never beating Islam” – Fans explode as Dana White reveals Ilia Topuria’s major sacrifice to pursue 155-pound championship goal

UFC CEO Dana White announces featherweight title clash as Ilia Topuria moves up to the lightweight division.

“Never beating Islam” – Fans explode as Dana White reveals Ilia Topuria’s major sacrifice to pursue 155-pound championship goal

Dana White shares the news about Ilia Topuria moving up to the lightweight division (via X/MMA Fighting)

Ilia Topuria shocked everyone by becoming the UFC featherweight champion by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski. Since then, ‘El Matador’ has defended his title once and shared his intentions to move up to the 155-pound division. While fans were busy speculating, CEO Dana White has made a much important announcement regarding the future of featherweight. 

A few months ago Topuria’s coach revealed that the Georgian-Spanish fighter had trouble cutting down to the 145 lbs mark. Other than having plans to move up, the champion had plans to maintain his featherweight status. However, according to White’s latest update, that is not the case anymore. An exciting title fight and a new direction for the current champion remains the 145-pound division. 

Former champion Alex Volkanovski will be taking on number 3 ranked Diego Lopes for the vacant UFC featherweight title. Topuria has felt like he has done all that he can do in that division and he feels like he cemented his legacy and his body cannot make the weight anymore. 

Dana White via Instagram 
YouTube video

White seemed excited about the upcoming featherweight title clash between the former champion, Volkanovski, and the rising contender. As for Topuria, updates about his 155 debut will be made public later. The Georgian-Spanish fighter wanted to go against Islam Makhachev for the double champion status.

FS Video

However, information on whether Topuria will earn an immediate title shot remains unknown. He may have to earn his title contention. ‘El Matador’ has already teased the fans about potentially fighting the likes of Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier. Rising lightweight prospect Paddy Pimblett is also interested in sharing the octagon with Topuria. 

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Fight fans react to Ilia Topuria vacating the featherweight title to move up to the 155-pound division

Throughout his featherweight reign, Ilia Topuria looked unstoppable and his last outing was proof of that. He became the first fighter to crack the granite chin of the legendary Max Holloway. Many fans and experts have no doubt that the ‘El Matador’ will carry the same power and skillset to the lightweight division.

Ilia Topuria to earn his title contention against Islam Makhachev
Ilia Topuria to earn his title contention against Islam Makhachev (via Imago)

Historically, the division has always been extremely competitive. With the addition of Topuria, it has now become the most exciting one as well. Suddenly, Islam Makhachev’s title reign is seeing a potential threat. Here are some reactions to Dana White’s latest announcement. 

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Some fans were skeptical about Topuria defeating the lightweight champion. Fans feel that ‘El Matador’ may be making a mistake. However, others were supportive of the decision and wanted to see Makhachev vs. Topuria as soon as possible.

Related: Ilia Topuria Net Worth, UFC Contract, Endorsements, and House