Ilia Topuria decided to fulfill his lofty goals and went on to the lightweight category after winning the featherweight belt. The crisis? Topuria wants nothing outside a title fight, but Islam Makhachev is sitting on the lightweight throne, and he does not want to fight another featherweight contender to transfer to lightweight.
Meanwhile, there are more sharks in the water who want to snatch the belt from the Dagestani. From Charles Oliveira to Paddy Pimblett, everyone is looking for a chance at the title fight. On the other hand, legendary Olympian wrestler and MMA juggernaut Yoel Romero thinks that the Georgian Spaniard is unstoppable at 155. While speaking on the Overdogs Español, he said, “Ilia at 145 lbs is too strong. At 155 lbs, he is practically unbeatable. Do you know how much he weighs?” The host answered immediately, saying, “I heard he’s around 180 lbs.”
Romero continued, “If he can cut from 180 lbs to 145 lbs, and then he recovers, look how he is. His speed, his reaction time, and endurance. Right now, it is Ilia’s time. He’s the one to beat. In the 155 lbs division, who is the one to beat? Ilia Topuria.” The duo also spoke about Topuria’s new moniker, ‘La Leyenda,’ and also spoke about the possibility of Makhachev going up to 170 lbs.
Topuria has proved himself unstoppable in UFC with a perfect undefeated 16-0-0 record so far. He even gave Max Holloway his first-ever KO loss. Veteran and ex-BMF champ Jorge Masvidal admitted that Topuria’s striking and durability make him dangerous. However, he mentioned recently that Movsar Evloev has the potential that pose a threat to Topuria’s legacy. During his appearance in the JAXXON Podcast, he said, “We got another killer from American Top Team. This one sucks for me because these are two friends of mine. I love both these guys… I love Ilia, and I love Movsar. Movsar is the complete opposite in many ways because he can wrestle, man.”
Meanwhile, the conclusion for Topuria, as per Romero, was a fight against Oliveira, and according to him, the former wins. But all of this is speculation. What is the real scenario at 155 lbs right now?
Is Ilia Topuria getting a title fight?
The lightweight division is in chaos after Ilia Topuria posted on X, “The camp has begun.” As soon as he posted this, MMA journalist Alvaro Colmenero responded to the former featherweight champion’s X post and declared that, according to his sources, Topuria would have a bout at the International Fight Week.
The famous journo decided to reveal the plan and posted on X, stating, “I can confirm that Islam Makhachev has already started a training camp for his next fight.” So does this mean it is going to be a title fight? What about Oliveira? As per the JRE episode #166, the potential of Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira does exist.
Ariel Helwani’s follow-up clarified things a bit better. Topuria will be headlining the International Fight Week on June 28. It’s just a question of who he will fight. Helwani’s money is on two scenarios – Oliveira for the vacant title or Makhachev in the Dagestani’s fifth title defense. We should know the final details in a matter of weeks, after the conclusion of UFC 315: Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena, where Makhachev’s welterweight hopes rest.
Do you think that will be a title fight between Topuria and Makhachev? Or will Oliveira have to tame the bull at 155? Tell us in the comments below.
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