Ilia Topuria’s Bold Move to Lightweight: Why He’s Ready to Challenge the Kings of the Division

Ilia Topuria’s decision to move up to the lightweight division marks a significant turning point in his career. His coach, Jorge Climent, had previously discussed Topuria’s struggles with cutting weight, and now the fighter has officially relinquished his featherweight title. This decision comes after repeated difficulties in making weight, pushing Topuria to pursue greater success in the lightweight division. The next phase of his career could hold exciting challenges and opportunities as he sets his sights on new opponents.

Topuria’s Manager Opens Up About the Weight Struggles

In an exclusive appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Topuria’s manager, Malki Kawa, provided a clear explanation of the factors that led to this monumental decision. While many have speculated about his move, Kawa emphasized that the primary reason for Topuria’s switch is his weight-cutting struggles. Kawa explained that cutting nearly 50 pounds before every fight was seriously impacting Topuria’s health and longevity in the sport. The constant strain of extreme weight cuts was hindering his ability to maintain a championship-level performance over the long term.

Topuria’s move to lightweight is about more than just physical comfort; it’s about preserving his future in the sport. Kawa’s insight paints a picture of a fighter who’s focused on the long game, emphasizing the need for Topuria to compete at the highest level without compromising his body. As Kawa said, “The longevity of fighters, especially at the highest level, when you talk about being a champion, is key.” In moving up, Topuria has ensured that he can continue to perform at the elite level without the burden of extreme weight cuts.

Is the Move to Lightweight a Good Strategy for Topuria’s Career?

While Topuria’s featherweight reign is over, the decision to step up into the lightweight division is far from a retreat. Many have questioned the timing of the move, especially with potential rematches with fighters like Alexander Volkanovski and contenders such as Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev on the horizon. However, Kawa explained that it was not only about comfort but also the ability to compete against the best without the harsh limitations of weight management.

At the top of the lightweight division, Topuria will face giants like Islam Makhachev, Charles Oliveira, and Max Holloway. Kawa’s confidence in Topuria’s ability to challenge for the lightweight title shows that this move could be a game-changer. He specifically mentioned Islam Makhachev as an opponent Topuria could face for the title, a fight that seems increasingly likely as Topuria continues to rise in the ranks. Although Makhachev’s team has the final say on the matchup, Kawa believes that Topuria has the skills to compete with anyone at the top.

Topuria’s Confidence in His Abilities: Dominating Islam Makhachev

Despite the weight struggles and challenges ahead, Ilia Topuria is brimming with confidence about her new journey. He shares the same ambition as Alexander Volkanovski: to dethrone Islam Makhachev. However, Topuria’s approach is markedly different from Volkanovski’s. While Volkanovski has been cautious and respectful towards Makhachev, Topuria has outright mocked him, declaring that he is superior to Makhachev in almost every aspect. This bold stance shows Topuria’s unwavering belief in his own abilities.

In a recent interview with Fox Sports Australia, Topuria was unabashed about his desire to defeat Makhachev, stating that he could do “whatever he wants” to Makhachev. His confidence radiates as he positions himself as part of MMA’s new generation—one that will shape the future of the sport. Topuria has also teased the idea of a rematch with Volkanovski, claiming that if given the chance, he would submit the featherweight king rather than knockout him out, which could add an interesting twist to a potential future bout.

What’s Next for Topuria?

As Ilia Topuria sets his sights on the lightweight title, fans are eagerly anticipating his next steps. His bold statements and unwavering confidence suggest that he’s more than ready to take on the best in the division. While the move to lightweight may have initially raised eyebrows, Topuria’s long-term goals are clear: he wants to be a two-division champion.

The future is bright for Ilia Topuria, and with Malki Kawa in his corner, the sky’s the limit. As Topuria moves forward, he will undoubtedly face formidable opponents, but his confidence, skills, and determination may just propel him to the pinnacle of the lightweight division. With the fight against Islam Makhachev potentially on the horizon, this could be the beginning of a new era for Topuria and his fans alike. The lightweight division is about to get a whole lot more interesting.