Former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has shaken the world of mixed martial arts with the shocking move to the lightweight division, vacating his 145 titles.
Topuria has made it clear he running toward crafting a legendary run. Ilia now targets to challenge for 155 championships against Islam Makhachev. However, Makhachev has denied giving Ilia a direct title shot.
Recently, a close source within UFC has told us upon asking regarding Topuria’s next fight.
We have been told Arman Tsarukyan has reportedly agreed to fight Topuria for the number one contender spot. UFC is considering booking Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan’s lightweight bout at UFC 317.
Ilia Topuria on why he decided to vacate his UFC featherweight championship
While speaking to Men’s Health España, Ilia Topuria revealed the reason behind vacating the 145-pound championship.
Topuria revealed he knew he wasn’t going to make the featherweight and he didn’t want to hold the division for that reason he vacated his title but he is still champion he doesn’t want a title to make him feel he is worthy.
“I know I’m not going to cut weight right now, and I don’t want to hold down an entire division. There are guys who are preparing every day, who are fighting, just like me, for their dreams…”
“And keeping the title would be very selfish of me. Besides, I’m the world champion, whether I vacate the title or not. I don’t need a belt to feel worthy.” Said Ilia.
Ilia Topuria’s UFC Record
October 26, 2024 – Win vs. Max Holloway, UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway2.
February 18, 2024 – Win vs. Alexander Volkanovski, UFC 298: Volkanovski vs. Topuria
June 24, 2023 – Win vs. Josh Emmett, UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Topuria
December 11, 2022 – Win vs. Bryce Mitchell, UFC 282: Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev
March 19, 2022 – Win vs. Jai Herbert, UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Aspinall
July 11, 2021 – Win vs. Ryan Hall, UFC 264: Poirier vs. McGregor 3
December 6, 2020 – Win vs. Damon Jackson, UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Vettori
October 11, 2020 – Win vs. Youssef Zalal, UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen
ALSO READ: Unfortunate news for Ilia Topuria fans
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