Ilia Topuria Vacates Title: A Bold Move or a Tactical Escape?

Just how dominant is Ilia Topuria? The Georgian Spaniard already shattered Alexander Volkanovski’s four-year reign, defending his featherweight belt five times before securing a devastating knockout victory. His undefeated record of sixteen wins and zero losses speaks volumes about his prowess.

But Topuria was not satisfied with just conquering the featherweight division. After obliterating Max Holloway at UFC 308 and handing the Hawaiian his first-ever knockout loss, he made a bold move that shook the MMA world. Instead of holding onto his title, Topuria shocked fans by vacating his featherweight championship to pursue a new challenge in the lightweight division. This was not just a small adjustment but a career-defining risk that many fighters would hesitate to take.

Michael Chandler Applauds Ilia Topuria’s Boldness

While speaking to SHAK MMA, Michael Chandler expressed his admiration for Topuria’s fearless decision to move up a weight class.

He stated that Topuria’s willingness to relinquish his championship belt without hesitation proved his confidence in his abilities.

Chandler said that most fighters would have taken a more cautious approach by testing themselves in a higher weight class while keeping their title intact. Instead, Topuria took the risk head-on, demonstrating his determination to dominate another division.

Chandler highlighted that vacating a title instead of defending it multiple times was a move that only a fighter with unshakable self-belief would make.

Controversy Erupts Over Topuria’s Lightweight Jump

Not everyone in the MMA community agreed with Topuria’s career decision. After successfully defending his featherweight championship, Topuria initially appeared open to granting Alexander Volkanovski a rematch. However, his sudden shift to the lightweight division left many questioning his motives.

Volkanovski, who was expected to get an opportunity to reclaim his title, was instead left to fight Diego Lopes at UFC 314. This unexpected change led to discussions about whether Topuria had truly struggled with weight cuts or if he was avoiding a rematch against Volkanovski.

Paddy Pimblett Calls Topuria a Liar

One of the loudest critics of Topuria’s move to lightweight was Paddy Pimblett, who did not hold back in his criticism.

Pimblett openly mocked Topuria’s decision, questioning whether he was truly too big for the featherweight division.

According to Pimblett, Topuria’s decision to leave the featherweight class had little to do with weight-cutting struggles and more to do with avoiding dangerous opponents.

Pimblett went on to insult Topuria’s stature, stating that he was not a natural lightweight and suggesting that he would struggle against the top contenders in the division.

Pimblett Demands Topuria Earn His Shot at Islam Makhachev

According to Pimblett, Topuria should not receive an immediate title shot at Islam Makhachev simply because of his dominance in the featherweight division.

The lightweight division is stacked with elite competitors who have been working their way up the rankings, and Pimblett believes that Topuria should be required to prove himself against top competition before getting a title fight.

Instead of jumping straight to a championship fight, Pimblett argued that Topuria should face a top-three lightweight contender first.

A Heated Rivalry Rekindled

Topuria and Pimblett’s rivalry is not new, as their bad blood dates back to a notorious 2022 incident in a London hotel.

During that altercation, Pimblett threw a bottle of hand sanitizer at Topuria after a heated confrontation. Since then, their tension has only grown stronger.

Now that Topuria has moved to lightweight, many MMA fans are wondering whether the two will finally settle their differences inside the octagon.

What’s Next for Ilia Topuria?

With Topuria’s move to lightweight, questions remain about what lies ahead for the former featherweight champion.

Some believe that he is making a strategic move to expand his legacy, while others argue that he is avoiding dangerous challenges in the featherweight division.

As Topuria prepares for his first fight in the lightweight division, the MMA world will be watching closely to see whether he can replicate his dominance in a heavier weight class.

Will Ilia Topuria’s power translate to lightweight?

One of the biggest questions surrounding Ilia Topuria’s move to lightweight is whether his power and skill set will translate effectively in a division filled with much bigger and stronger opponents. While Topuria has showcased devastating knockout power in the featherweight division, the competition at 155 pounds is an entirely different beast. Fighters in this division possess greater durability, size, and strength, making it far more challenging for a former featherweight champion to steamroll through the rankings.

However, Topuria’s undefeated record and ability to finish elite opponents suggest that he is more than capable of making an impact. His performance against Max Holloway at UFC 308 was a statement win, proving that he has the striking ability to put away even the most durable fighters. If he can maintain that same level of dominance in a higher weight class, there is no doubt that he will be a major threat to the lightweight elite.

How will Topuria handle the lightweight elite?

The lightweight division is arguably the most competitive in the UFC, with a roster stacked with top-tier talent. Fighters like Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Benjamin Dariush have been entrenched in the division for years, each bringing a unique set of skills that could pose problems for Topuria.

Unlike featherweight, where Topuria’s size and strength often gave him a physical advantage, he will now have to face opponents who are naturally bigger and stronger. Fighters such as Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan possess world-class wrestling that could neutralize Topuria’s striking. Additionally, fighters like Poirier and Gaethje have proven knockout power and an ability to absorb damage, meaning Topuria will need to be even sharper in his defense and fight IQ.

Many MMA analysts believe that Topuria’s well-rounded skill set will allow him to adapt successfully. His explosive striking, coupled with his underrated grappling, gives him the tools necessary to compete at lightweight. However, he will need to be strategic in choosing his first opponent to maximize his chances of success.

Could Conor McGregor Be in Topuria’s Future?

With Topuria’s rising star power, speculation has already begun about a potential showdown with Conor McGregor. The Irish superstar has been linked to a return fight in 2025, and UFC fans have been buzzing about the possibility of a McGregor vs. Topuria matchup.

While McGregor has yet to confirm his official comeback opponent, a fight against Topuria could generate massive interest. Both fighters have explosive knockout power, dynamic striking, and an aggressive fighting style, making it an electrifying matchup.

Additionally, the trash talk leading up to the fight would be legendary, as both men have proven to be some of the best talkers in the game. A fight against McGregor would also provide Topuria with an opportunity to become an even bigger star, as beating the former two-division champion would cement his status as a household name in the UFC.

Will Topuria’s Risk Pay Off?

Only time will tell if Topuria’s gamble to leave featherweight was the right decision. If he can continue his dominance at lightweight, he has the potential to become one of the greatest fighters of this generation. However, if he struggles against bigger opponents, his critics—especially Paddy Pimblett—will be the first to say, “I told you so.”