Ilia Topuria Aspires to Champion 3 Weight Classes, Belal Muhammad Issues a Warning

The UFC’s pound-for-pound conversation just got a lot more intriguing as Ilia Topuria, fresh off his second title win, is already teasing a move to a third weight class. The featherweight and newly crowned lightweight champion has openly flirted with the idea of moving up to welterweight (170 lbs) to chase a historic third belt—a feat no fighter, male or female, has ever accomplished in UFC history.

But as Topuria eyes greatness, one of the welterweight division’s most seasoned contenders, Belal Muhammad, has a clear message:

“Come up to 170. Let’s do it. But be ready.”

Topuria’s Historic Ambitions: Chasing the Impossible

Following his stunning victories at featherweight and lightweight, Topuria’s confidence is sky-high. During the UFC 317 fight week, he hinted that while he promised matchmakers he wouldn’t immediately jump weight classes again, the 170-pound division is firmly on his radar.

“I believe in myself. If I work hard enough, I can be champion in three weight classes. That’s my dream,” Topuria said post-fight.

Topuria’s striking power and fight IQ have been undeniable, but the leap from 145 to 170 pounds represents a massive physical challenge.

Belal Muhammad’s Reality Check

Belal Muhammad, a former title challenger and perennial welterweight contender, offered a blunt assessment during a recent episode on his YouTube channel. Though he respects Topuria’s skills, Muhammad made it clear the welterweight division is an entirely different beast.

“Topuria’s got great power, and it showed at 155. But 170? That’s another level. Guys here have chins, they’re bigger, stronger, and can grind you down,” Muhammad explained.

He continued:

“Look, Oliveira’s been dropped before—Gaethje, Chandler, Poirier all hurt him. So knocking out Oliveira doesn’t mean you’re dropping guys at 170. But hey, if Topuria wants to find out, I welcome him. Let’s do it. He’s confident, and I respect that. But this is a different world.”

Power and Size: The Big Question

Topuria’s knockout power has translated from featherweight to lightweight, but the welterweight division is home to fighters with far greater frames and natural durability. Muhammad was quick to remind fans that the size jump from 155 to 170 is massive, especially for a fighter who originally competed at 145.

“Welterweight’s not just a bigger lightweight division. It’s a division filled with guys who cut down from 185, sometimes 190 pounds. Topuria’s a beast, but will his power hold up when the guy in front of him is 20 pounds heavier on fight night?”

Topuria’s Path to GOAT Status

If Topuria can somehow claim a welterweight title, it would immediately launch him into the all-time great conversation. No UFC fighter has ever captured titles in three divisions. Even legends like Conor McGregor (featherweight and lightweight) and Amanda Nunes (bantamweight and featherweight) stopped at two.

A triple-division reign would be unprecedented—but the road to that dream runs through killers like Jack Della Maddalena, Leon Edwards, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and of course, Belal Muhammad himself.

Muhammad’s Own Title Aspirations

Belal Muhammad has his own business to handle. Following his tough loss to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, Muhammad has been angling for a big comeback fight. He’s called out former champion Kamaru Usman, eyeing a No. 1 contender showdown that could put him right back in the title picture.

But the idea of halting Topuria’s welterweight ambitions has clearly piqued his interest.

“I’ve fought the biggest, strongest guys at 170. If Topuria wants to test himself, he’ll have to go through me first. Let’s see if he can handle 25 minutes with someone who doesn’t go away.”

Is Topuria Ready for 170?

Despite his ambitions, Topuria has been careful not to overcommit. After his dominant win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, he acknowledged he’ll likely defend his lightweight belt first, but he didn’t rule out a welterweight move within the next year.

Fans and pundits are split on whether Topuria’s style—power boxing and slick jiu-jitsu—will translate at welterweight. Some argue that his confidence is warranted, pointing to his composure and knockout power. Others caution that the physicality of 170-pounders could nullify his advantages.

The Welterweight Landscape Awaits

The welterweight division is in flux. Jack Della Maddalena reigns as champion, with Edwards, Muhammad, Rakhmonov, and Burns all vying for position. Topuria’s arrival could electrify the division, but only if he can prove he belongs.

Muhammad made his position clear:

“If Ilia wants to be a three-division champion, he better be ready to face a guy who’s been in five-round wars, who’s wrestled, struck, and grinded out wins against the best. I’ll be waiting.”

Fans React: Excitement and Skepticism

Social media exploded with reactions to Muhammad’s comments and Topuria’s ambitions:

• One fan tweeted: “Ilia’s got guts, but welterweight? That’s shark-infested water. Belal will drown him.”

• Another wrote: “We’ve never seen anyone move like this through divisions since McGregor. I’d love to see Topuria vs Jack Della Maddalena down the road.”

What’s Next?

For now, Topuria is expected to either defend his lightweight crown against contenders like Arman Tsarukyan or move back to featherweight to defend his earlier title. But the welterweight conversation is far from over.

Belal Muhammad, meanwhile, awaits his next assignment. If the UFC sees dollar signs in a clash between Topuria and Muhammad, they may fast-track the matchup for late 2025 or early 2026.

Final Thoughts: Ambition vs Reality

Ilia Topuria’s dreams of three titles are bold, historic, and inspiring—but they’re also facing harsh reality in the form of Belal Muhammad and the welterweight elite.

Will Topuria’s skills and power carry him to unprecedented greatness, or will the physical giants of 170 pounds humble him?

One thing is certain: Belal Muhammad is ready to welcome him to the division—and he’s not planning to roll out the red carpet.