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Tag: Ilia Topuria

  • Paddy Pimblett: Ilia Topuria Didn’t Move Up Because Of The Weight Cut, He ‘Ran’ From Volkanovski

    Paddy Pimblett: Ilia Topuria Didn’t Move Up Because Of The Weight Cut, He ‘Ran’ From Volkanovski

    Ilia Topuria’s bold decision to vacate his featherweight title and make the jump to lightweight has sent shockwaves through the UFC, sparking intense debate and speculation.

    Fresh off back-to-back knockout victories, his move has captivated fans and pundits, setting the stage for dream matchups and a dramatic shift in the division. While this transition presents a challenge for UFC matchmakers, it’s exactly the kind of shake-up that fuels the sport’s excitement.

    However, not everyone is sold on the move. Paddy Pimblett, one of the lightweight division’s most outspoken rising stars, has emerged as a vocal skeptic.

    Since Dana White announced Topuria’s title relinquishment, Pimblett has questioned the motivations behind it, even suggesting the UFC may have pressured the Spaniard into vacating rather than supporting his bid for champ-champ status.

    Beyond the circumstances of the switch, “The Baddy” is unconvinced that “El Matador” can thrive at 155 pounds. He argues that the former featherweight king lacks the size and physicality to compete with the division’s elite, predicting struggles against bigger, stronger lightweights.

    His sharpest criticism, however, comes in his assessment of a potential showdown with lightweight champ Islam Makhachev. Pimblett sees a one-sided affair, envisioning Makhachev effortlessly imposing his grappling and finishing Topuria with ease.

    “Volk had only just recovered from getting head-kicked 12 weeks earlier and getting knocked clean out by Islam,” Pimblett said during a recent interview on 560 WQAM . “I think if (Topuria) fought Volk again, it’d be a different fight. I think he half ran away from Volk. But you can’t really say that because he knocked him out with one punch last year. Still, I think (Topuria) knew Volk was gonna give him a run for his money.”

    While Topuria’s lightweight ambitions have injected new intrigue into the division, Pimblett’s doubts highlight the risks of the move.

    Whether the Spaniard proves his skeptics wrong or struggles against the division’s best remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — the UFC’s lightweight division just got a lot more interesting.

  • Bisping Says Missing Out On Ilia Topuria Rematch Is ‘Perfect’ For Alexander Volkanovski: ‘He’s No Spring Chicken’

    Ilia Topuria’s decision to vacate the featherweight title and move up to lightweight has unexpectedly created a favorable path for Alexander Volkanovski, according to another former UFC champion.

    Michael Bisping believes this turn of events has worked out well for “The Great.” Initially anticipating a rematch with Topuria, Volkanovski will now face Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight belt at UFC 314.

    On his YouTube channel, Bisping explained why he thinks this situation benefits the Australian fan favorite.

    “This whole thing kind of played out, I think, for the best for Volkanovski,” Bisping said. “I love Volkanovski. He’s a tremendous guy. He’s a legendary fighter — one of the greatest featherweights that the sport’s ever seen — but going up against Topuria again, I don’t know if that was the best idea.”

    While Bisping acknowledged that every fight is different, he pointed out that Volkanovski already suffered a brutal knockout loss to Topuria early last year. At 36 years old, “The Count” believes a rematch would have been a tough challenge.

    “He’s 36 years old now. Never mind 35 — never mind that curse. He’s 36, he’s no spring chicken.”

    Although Volkanovski was eager for a rematch, Bisping sees a real opportunity for him to regain momentum against Lopes.

    “He wants to take on the best people, and I respect him for that, and he wanted that rematch with Ilia Topuria,” Bisping said. “He beat him, he knocked him out, and as a fighter, that affects your pride and your ego, and you just want to get that one back.

    “However, that ship has sailed. Now there’s a real good chance that Volkanovski becomes the champion again, and then who knows, maybe defends again one more time, two more times, makes a few more million dollars. This, if you ask me, is the perfect scenario for Alexander Volkanovski.”

    With Volkanovski now set to fight for the vacant featherweight title, UFC 314 presents a pivotal moment in his career. If he can reclaim the belt, it may pave the way for another dominant run at 145 pounds.

  • Dustin Poirier Backs Ilia Topuria For ‘Right Off The Bat’ Title Shot Against Islam Makhachev

    Dustin Poirier Backs Ilia Topuria For ‘Right Off The Bat’ Title Shot Against Islam Makhachev

    Dustin Poirier is all in on the idea of Ilia Topuria stepping straight into a title fight against reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev.

    Last week, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Topuria is vacating the featherweight title to pursue greatness in the lightweight division, aiming to cement his legacy as a two-division UFC champion.

    As a result, former champion Alexander Volkanovski is set to clash with Diego Lopes for the vacant 145-pound title in the main event of UFC 314 this April.

    According to White, “El Matador” opted to move up a weight class, believing he had already accomplished enough at featherweight while also facing an increasingly grueling cut to the 145-pound limit.

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Poirier spoke highly of Topuria’s bold decision to relinquish his UFC featherweight championship.

    “I mean, it’s respectful,” Poirier said. “It’s honorable to vacate the belt, to not hold up the division where guys have been working so hard to get their shot at the title. He’s doing it the right way. I’ve never seen him in person, but everybody says he’s heavy, that he walks around heavy, but if he can make 145, I don’t know how big he is because some of these lightweights are huge.”

    Following White’s announcement regarding Topuria, there has been plenty of discussion among MMA fans and analysts about whether the undefeated Spaniard should receive a fast-tracked title shot against Makhachev.

    While some support the idea, others — including Makhachev’s manager, Rizvan Magomedov — believe he should first face top contenders like Poirier, Charles Oliveira, or Justin Gaethje to earn his shot at the belt.

    However, “The Diamond” sees no need for Topuria to prove himself further, arguing that his knockout victory over current BMF champion Max Holloway speaks for itself.

    “That’s tough to say, especially with all of the contenders, with how the lightweight division’s been over the last few years. But with a guy like him, vacating the belt and moving up, finishing Max Holloway the way that he did, I would give him a crack at the lightweight title right off the bat.”

    “El Matador” boasts a flawless 16-0 professional record, with eight wins by submission and six by knockout. He claimed the 145-pound title in dominant fashion, finishing Volkanovski at UFC 298, before successfully defending it with another knockout victory over Holloway at UFC 308 last year.

  • Dustin Poirier Doesn’t Like Ilia Topuria Or Islam Makhachev’s Chances In Higher Weight Classes

    Dustin Poirier Doesn’t Like Ilia Topuria Or Islam Makhachev’s Chances In Higher Weight Classes

    While Dustin Poirier awaits news on what is expected to be his final fight, he remains an active observer of the lightweight division and its potential shake-ups.

    Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, has hinted at pursuing a second title, though his next move remains uncertain. While a jump to welterweight would seem logical, Makhachev has expressed hesitation due to his friendship and training relationship with current 170-pound kingpin Belal Muhammad. Instead, he has suggested that a move to middleweight could be more likely.

    Poirier, however, questions whether that would be a viable option.

    “I think he would do really well at 170 [pounds],” Poirier told Helen Yee. “185, the guys are just too big. Islam’s a big guy. He can fight 170 for sure. He could become the champion at 170, I believe, but 185’s pushing it, I think.”

    While Makhachev considers moving up in weight, former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has officially vacated his title to compete at 155 pounds.

    After scoring impressive knockout victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway in 2024, Topuria immediately set his sights on a title fight against Makhachev. However, Makhachev has largely dismissed this challenge, citing his two wins over Volkanovski and a preference for opponents who would add more to his legacy.

    Poirier didn’t directly address Makhachev’s stance but seemed to agree that Topuria’s immediate pursuit of the lightweight title might not end well.

    “If he can stop the takedowns, his boxing’s better than Islam’s,” Poirier said of Topuria. “He’s a bigger puncher. Islam’s technique is getting a lot better on the feet. He’s kind of crafty and elusive. When I fought him, he fought at a weird range. The size difference is just too much [for Topuria], I believe.”

    With both Makhachev and Topuria considering career-altering moves, the lightweight division remains one of the most intriguing in the UFC, and Poirier, even as he nears the end of his career, continues to provide insightful takes on its evolving landscape.

  • Islam Makhachev’s Manager: Ilia Topuria Needs To Prove He’s A Legit Lightweight Before Title Shot

    Islam Makhachev’s Manager: Ilia Topuria Needs To Prove He’s A Legit Lightweight Before Title Shot

    Islam Makhachev’s manager believes Ilia Topuria should prove himself in the lightweight division before earning a title shot.

    Topuria recently vacated his UFC featherweight title to move up to 155 pounds, aiming to challenge for the lightweight championship. However, Makhachev, who has already defended his belt four times, including two wins over former featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski, has previously expressed reluctance to face another former 145-pounder.

    And his manager, Rizvan Magomedov, evidently shares that belief. 

    The Dagestani’s most recent title defense was a quick submission win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311. The fight came about after Arman Tsarukyan withdrew due to injury. Despite this, UFC CEO Dana White has ruled out Tsarukyan for the next title shot, leaving the lightweight title picture up in the air.

    Meanwhile, Topuria has had only one previous fight at lightweight, scoring a knockout win over Jai Herbert in 2022, before returning to featherweight, where he eventually won the title. His recent dominance at 145 pounds included consecutive knockout victories over former champions Volkanovski and Max Holloway.

    While Topuria is a rising star, Magomedov believes he needs to face and defeat a top lightweight contender before being granted a title fight against Makhachev.

    “Topuria vs. Dustin/Charles contender fight, to prove he’s a legit lightweight. So we don’t have to defeat another ‘small featherweight,’” Magomedov stated. “We need big fights that make sense for everyone. We already gave chances to a featherweight champ that was reigning for a long time.”

    For now, Makhachev and his team are waiting to see how the division unfolds before making their next move.

  • Dana White Explains Ilia Topuria’s Decision To Vacate UFC Featherweight Title

    Dana White Explains Ilia Topuria’s Decision To Vacate UFC Featherweight Title

    At the start of the UFC 314 main event, Ilia Topuria’s reign as featherweight champion will officially end.

    UFC CEO Dana White recently announced several upcoming fights, including significant news regarding the featherweight division. Topuria has decided to relinquish his title to move up to the lightweight division, paving the way for a vacant title fight at UFC 314 in Miami on April 12 between former champion Alexander Volkanovski and rising contender Diego Lopes.

    “Topuria has felt like he’s done all he can in that division, and he feels like he’s cemented his legacy, and his body cannot make the weight anymore,” White said during an Instagram Live session. “So Topuria will be moving up to 155 pounds and will be vacating the featherweight title. … As soon as the first punch is thrown in (Volkanovski vs. Lopes), the title is vacated. We will announce what Topuria’s next fight will be when we get it done.”

    Topuria’s move comes after a stellar 2024 campaign in which he captured the featherweight title by knocking out Volkanovski at UFC 298 and then defended it with another knockout victory over Max Holloway at UFC 308. His performances solidified him as one of the UFC’s most dangerous strikers.

    Now, he is set on an even more significant challenge — lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

    “I really believe that I can beat the current champion, Islam,” Topuria said on the Full Send Podcast. “I really think that. He’s a great champion. You can’t be a world champion by chance; you have to do things great. He’s a beast.

    “I don’t like to be a bully and fight with people that I know 100 percent that I’m going to whoop his ass, you know? I like to fight with people that the fans think that it’s going to be very competitive. That kind of expectation I like to create. With Islam, I’m going to have that. Doing the rematch with people that I already fought, I don’t think that I’m going to have the same kind of expectations, you know, for the fans.”

    While his next opponent has yet to be announced, Topuria’s move to lightweight will add another intriguing contender to one of the most talent-rich divisions in the UFC.

  • Ilia Topuria Vacates UFC Featherweight Title, Volkanovski vs. Lopes Announced

    Ilia Topuria is officially moving up to the lightweight division, and a fight for his newly vacated UFC featherweight title is already set.

    Topuria outlined his intentions to achieve two-division glory soon after capturing the 145-pound crown at the expense of Alexander Volkanovski last February. And after just one successful defense opposite Max Holloway, the Spaniard suggested his time in the division was done.

    That’s turned out to be the case, with UFC CEO Dana White confirming Thursday that Topuria has indeed relinquished the featherweight belt ahead of a permanent move up.

    With that, a clash for the championship between former titleholder Volkanovski and surging contender Diego Lopes will take place at UFC 314 in Miami on April 12.

  • VIDEO: Ilia Topuria Has Unique Celebration For One-Year Anniversary Of UFC Title Win

    UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria has achieved a lot of firsts on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage, from ending Alexander Volkanovski’s unbeaten run at 145 pounds to becoming the first to sleep the previously unbreakable Max Holloway.

    Now, “El Matador” might have just become the first UFC champ to serenade their belt by signing Happy Birthday to it…

    Topuria posted a hilarious video (h/t @mma_orbit) of him and his wife’s unique celebration on the one-year anniversary of his memorable championship victory in Anaheim last February.

    The Spaniard reached the top of the featherweight division as an undefeated fighter at UFC 298, which he headlined in competition for Volkanovski’s gold.

    Topuria made good on his prediction to leave the Australian unconscious, shutting his lights out in round two to begin a new era for the weight class.

    After a similarly violent display opposite Max Holloway last October, it remains to be seen what lies ahead for “El Matador” in 2025. While Volkanovski has staked his claim for a rematch, the champ has been vocal in outlining his two-division ambitions.

  • Ilia Topuria Says Dagestani MMA Fighters Lose ‘Every Competitive Fight’ Amid Talk Of Islam Makhachev Clash

    Ilia Topuria Says Dagestani MMA Fighters Lose ‘Every Competitive Fight’ Amid Talk Of Islam Makhachev Clash

    UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria continues to fan the flames of a potential rivalry with lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev.

    Considerable uncertainty surrounds Topuria’s next assignment. While the likes of Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes target his 145-pound gold, the Spaniard has made clear his goal of pursuing two-division glory.

    With that, talk of a clash with Makhachev continues to float around the mixed martial arts community and both men have frequently addressed it during interviews.

    During a recent appearance on the Full Send Podcast, Topuria no doubt added further heat to the back and forth by taking aim at Makhachev and his fellow Dagestani fighters.

    According to “El Matador,” fighters from the region flounder if they can’t establish their dominance early on in fights.

    “None of them have special cardio and stamina. The way they do it, if you fight any of them, the thing they need when they go inside the Octagon, in the first contact, they want to feel like they’ve dominated you,” Topuria said. “They start to build their confidence off that. It’s like, ‘I can dominate you, maybe you escape, and we strike again, but I feel like I’m stronger than you.’

    “If they feel like in the first contact in the first round that they can’t control you and it’s very competitive, then their head goes down.,” Topuria continued. “This is what they try to do, to beat you in the early rounds, that they can dominate you, that they are stronger than you. But when they realize that it’s not like that, most of the time, they lose those kinds of fights. All of the competitive fights they lose — all of them.”

    While some might suggest that Umar Nurmagomedov’s five-round defeat to Merab Dvalishvili last month supports Topuria’s hypothesis, the bantamweight contender’s brother found a different outcome in his January outing. Usman Nurmagomedov got the better of Irish challenger Paul Hughes in their competitive main event title fight at PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai.

    It remains to be seen whether Topuria will get the chance to prove his remarks right against Makhachev this year or be made to defend his featherweight belt for a second time.

  • Chael Sonnen Calls Paddy Pimblett vs. Ilia Topuria Personal: ‘They Do Have Unfinished Business’

    Chael Sonnen Calls Paddy Pimblett vs. Ilia Topuria Personal: ‘They Do Have Unfinished Business’

    MMA superstar turned analyst, Chael Sonnen has carefully observed the long-running feud between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett. He believes that the recent online trash-talk could very well turn into a real fight as tensions between the two began as early as 2022.

    “The Baddy” has frequently tried to reignite his beef with Topuria. In one of his recent interviews, he called the reigning featherweight champion a ‘midget’, and showed interest in fighting the Georgian if he moves up to 155 lbs.

    Pimblett also believes that Alexander Volkanovski clearing the featherweight division helped Topuria quickly grab the belt, and he’ll likely be overwhelmed by his opponents’ size at lightweight.

    “The American Gangster” finds this callout interesting because it has all the potential to produce a great fight given the very real bad blood between the two fighters. Here’s what he said on the matchup in a recent video on his YouTube channel:

    “Paddy the baddy is willing to welcome Ilia Toporia to 155 pounds. Now, it’s not Paddy’s first choice because Ilia is not a big enough name but he will do it because of the hand sanitizer incident—he wanted to give him a beating back then, so he will just delay that desire to whip Ilia Topuria until now at 155 pounds. Even though Ilia doesn’t quite have the name recognition now, I summarized, okay?”

    The former title challenger thinks Pimblett might be trying to get the match with “El Matador” at the perfect time. The featherweight champ has expressed his desire to move up a weight class to challenge lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who, interestingly, seems reluctant to hand out a title shot to another featherweight champ right away.

    So, having Pimblett welcome Topuria to the lightweight division might be win-win for all the parties involved.

    “But, from a performance standpoint, that’s great. That is great stuff by Paddy to declare that he is willing to do a favor for the world champion—stay in your weight class, fight for a world title, activate the participation clause of your contract, the only clause that you can have in MMA that can make you millions of dollars in one night. Leave all of that to come up to 155 over a personal feud where no title is on the line, no legacy is on the line.”

    Because of their infamous alteration in 2022, Sonnen is confident that Pimblett vs. Topuria is certainly not a far-fetched dream:

    “But we do have this incident with the hand sanitizer, and you know what? They do have unfinished business. I remember that night very well.”

    Although he’s never fought at lightweight, knocking out Volkanovski and Max Holloway in back-to-back fights has skyrocketed Topuria’s popularity. On the flip side, Pimblett’s biggest wins are Tony Ferguson and King Green, and fans are still doubtful of his potential since the controversial Jared Gordon fight.

  • Dustin Poirier On Ilia Topuria’s Lightweight Hopes: ‘I Think Islam Is Too Much, But…’

    Dustin Poirier On Ilia Topuria’s Lightweight Hopes: ‘I Think Islam Is Too Much, But…’

    Dustin Poirier is intrigued by a potential showdown between UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria and lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev.

    The 145-pound titleholder has expressed interest in moving up to challenge Makhachev, who is currently ranked as the UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.

    Poirier is torn on who he believes would win the fight. “The Diamond,” coming off a fifth-round submission loss to Makhachev at UFC 302, questions whether the Spaniard has the necessary size to counter the Dagestani’s grappling.

    “He definitely does have a shot,” Poirier told Sports Illustrated regarding Topuria vs. Makhachev. “I think from ’45 to 170, Topuria has the power and the skills to knock anybody out. His timing, his rhythm, his power is incredible, but the size difference is with Islam’s wrestling.

    “I’ve never seen Topuria in person. Obviously, I fought Islam; he’s a big guy. Islam can’t make ’45. I know they say Topuria might walk around 190 (pounds) outside of fights and stuff, but I just think Islam is just too much. But I don’t know. Like I said, if Ilia does connect, he can put anybody out.”

    Topuria’s most recent victory was a knockout of Max Holloway at UFC 308, which saw him successfully defend the featherweight title.

    Meanwhile, Makhachev is fresh off a swift submission win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311. This victory marked his fourth successful title defense, setting a new record for the most in UFC lightweight history.

  • Paddy Pimblett Has A Problem With Ilia Topuria’s Champ-Champ Talk: ‘He Is Not McGregor!’

    Paddy Pimblett Has A Problem With Ilia Topuria’s Champ-Champ Talk: ‘He Is Not McGregor!’

    Paddy Pimblett has downplayed Ilia Topuria’s chances of challenging Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title.

    Topuria, the reigning featherweight champion, has expressed interest in moving up to 155 pounds after defending his title against Max Holloway last time out.

    Assessing the situation, Pimblett remarked that despite Topuria’s recent victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Holloway, he doesn’t believe the Spaniard has done enough to earn a shot at Makhachev’s lightweight belt. While “El Matador” has stated he’s open to a rematch with Volkanovski, his preference is to move up and challenge Makhachev.

    “I can’t see Ilia fighting Islam,” Pimblett said on the Blood Red podcast. “He’s only defended the belt once. Normally, you need to defend the belt like three times, and he’s not that big of a star to jump. He’s not (Conor) McGregor to just jump right up and fight for the other belt.

    “So I can’t personally see that happening, but we’ll see what happens. I heard Ilia’s headlining the UFC 314 event against Volk, but you don’t know anything until it’s finalized with the UFC. I have been told this and that the last few weeks, last few months, but we’ll just see what happens.”

    Pimblett and Topuria have a history of animosity, dating back to an altercation in London in March 2022. Their feud escalated further during the UFC 282 pre-fight press conference in December 2022, where security had to intervene due to their heated exchanges.

    As for Pimblett, he is targeting a return to the Octagon at UFC 314, with rumors suggesting a potential matchup against Michael Chandler.

  • Joe Rogan Calls For Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev Next, Says ‘Who Cares’ About Only 1 Title Defense

    Joe Rogan Calls For Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev Next, Says ‘Who Cares’ About Only 1 Title Defense

    UFC color commentator Joe Rogan knows what he wants to see next from featherweight kingpin Ilia Topuria — and it’s not a second dance with Alexander Volkanovski.

    Topuria remains without a date in the calendar for his first fight of 2025, following on from a 2024 in which he dethroned Volkanovski and became the first man to knock out Max Holloway.

    A rematch with “Alexander the Great” was quickly tipped as the Spaniard’s next assignment after he defended the belt against “Blessed” last October. But frequent comments from Topuria and his team regarding a lightweight switch have led to some uncertainty.

    Despite only defending his title once, “El Matador” has made no secret of his desire to challenge Islam Makhachev for two-division glory as soon as possible.

    And for Rogan, there’s no time like the present.

    “As crazy as it sounds, I hope Ilia goes up to (155 pounds). I really do,” Rogan said during his JRE Fight Companion episode for Saturday’s UFC 312 pay-per-view. “Volkanovski-Diego Lopes (at) 145, Ilia goes up to ’55. I don’t care if he only defended the title one time or didn’t, who cares. Let’s go. Let’s f*cking go.

    “It’d be nice [to see him fight some of the other contenders at (featherweight), but also, who cares? Let’s go. Let’s f*cking go,” Rogan added.

    Plenty is evidently left to be decided at 145 pounds, with various reports flying about Topuria vs. Volkanovski 2 and other potential bouts such as Volkanovski against the charging Diego Lopes.

    Makhachev, meanwhile, remains without a next challenger to his throne after top contender Arman Tsarukyan ruled himself out by withdrawing from UFC 311 on 24 hours’ notice.

    The promotion is promising something huge for the Dagestani next time out, though, perhaps boosting Topuria’s chances of securing the matchup.

  • Michael Bisping Explains Why Ilia Topuria’s Chances Are High To Beat Islam Makhachev

    Michael Bisping Explains Why Ilia Topuria’s Chances Are High To Beat Islam Makhachev

    Michael Bisping is intrigued by a potential showdown between UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria and lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

    The 145-pound titleholder has expressed interest in moving up to challenge Makhachev, who is currently ranked as the UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter. While acknowledging the Dagestani’s dominance, the former fighter-turned-commentator believes Topuria’s well-rounded skill set could make the fight competitive — despite the size difference.

    “That’s an incredible fight,” Bisping told Submission Radio. “Ilia Topuria, what he’s been able to do, what he’s achieved in such a short space — so impressed. The same with Islam. Islam is incredible. Nobody can sit here and criticize Islam. The fight style that he has, the way that he’s able to use his wrestling to such effectiveness. The striking is always improving and catching up.

    “But on the flip side, Ilia is a smaller guy, though. So you take two guys with great skill sets — the bigger guy is always going to win. But if anyone could make that happen, it’s Ilia Topuria. The man said what he’s going to do right from the beginning, changed his bio to champion of the world. He’s knocked out (Alexander) Volkanovski. He’s knocked out Max Holloway. He’s knocking out everybody, and apparently, he’s even better at wrestling than he is at boxing.”

    Topuria’s stock has skyrocketed following his knockout victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.

    Meanwhile, Makhachev recently secured his fourth lightweight title defense with a quick submission of Renato Moicano at UFC 311.

  • Debuting Aleksandre Topuria ‘Not His Brother’, Says UFC 312 Opponent

    Debuting Aleksandre Topuria ‘Not His Brother’, Says UFC 312 Opponent

    Colby Thicknesse is vowing to show the difference in ability between Ilia Topuria and the featherweight kingpin’s UFC debuting brother this weekend.

    The preliminary card of Saturday’s UFC 312 pay-per-view will see two prominent newcomers collide, with Thicknesse and Aleksandre Topuria getting their first taste of Octagon action against one another.

    The Australian bantamweight, a teammate of Alexander Volkanovski’s, boasts an undefeated record and is coming off championship success under the HEX Fight Series banner. In “El Conquistador,” though, Thicknesse is facing the sibling of one of the most feared and dominant men in the UFC right now.

    But challenging an opponent who trains alongside the current 145-pound champ and shares the same name doesn’t faze the local favorite, who is confident in rejecting any comparison between the two when it comes to skill level.

    “He’s definitely got the same sort of style because they train together, but he’s not his brother, and I’m going to go out there on (Saturday) and show it,” Thicknesse said during UFC 312 media day. “He hasn’t really beaten anybody noticeable. His opponent’s combined records aren’t that great. Come (Saturday), I get to go out and show that against him.”

  • Ilia Topuria Explains Why He Prefers Islam Makhachev Superfight Over UFC Title Defense

    Ilia Topuria Explains Why He Prefers Islam Makhachev Superfight Over UFC Title Defense

    Ilia Topuria is eager to secure a fight with UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, believing that a victory would solidify his status as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

    The reigning featherweight champ has set his sights on the top spot as the sport’s best, putting him at odds with Makhachev. Topuria has repeatedly expressed his desire to move up in weight for a superfight, a sentiment he reiterated in a recent interview with Fox Sports Australia.

    “Me, personally, what I want to do is move up to 155 because I know that I can become a two-weight world champion,” Topuria said. “Islam, he’s a great fighter, he’s the No. 1 pound-for-pound for the people. For me, it’s me, myself — I’m the best fighter in the world. I know that I can do with him whatever I want to do because I know that I am much better than him.”

    Topuria has built a strong case for being the best fighter in the world, topping multiple Fighter of the Year lists at the end of 2024, surpassing names like Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.

    “This is something that I want to do,” Topuria said. “The UFC knows that. But at the end of the day, this is something that the UFC decides because they know how to run the business. They know how to do it, they have a lot of experience. So if they tell me that they want me to keep defending the belt in the 145 division, maybe I will do that. But if they let me go up to 155, I will do that also.”

    If “El Matador” remains at featherweight, potential challengers include Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev, as well as a rumored rematch with Alexander Volkanovski.

    “I think Diego deserves it more because Movsar has more fights in the UFC, but he has eight fights, eight decisions, [one] by split decision. You need to finish someone,” Topuria said. “Do something, do something relevant, put yourself in that spot, and why not? We can do it.

    “But if you don’t finish anyone, I fight for the fans. I fight to entertain the fans, and I need someone inside the cage to be entertained. I don’t need someone who is only looking for the win and grabs you and this and that. Which, by the way, he wouldn’t be able to do that with me—I would knock him out in the first round. But I need someone to hype up the fight.”

  • Ilia Topuria vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 ‘Official’ For UFC 314, Claims Insider

    According to one UFC fighter, the second dance between featherweight champion Ilia Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski is officially in the calendar.

    The two standouts at 145 pounds collided almost 12 months ago in Anaheim, where Topuria secured his crowning moment as an undefeated fighter with a thunderous knockout of “Alexander the Great.”

    After a break from competition, Volkanovski outlined his plans to return straight into another title fight, be it a rematch with the Spaniard or Max Holloway, who challenged the champ in Abu Dhabi last October.

    With “El Matador” keeping possession of the gold, his Australian rival has been expected to receive the next shot. And while talk of a lightweight move briefly put doubt over that, it would appear that all signs are pointing to a rematch.

    During the latest episode of the Nickals and Dimes podcast on his YouTube channel, Bo Nickal stoked that flame by going as far as to state that the bout is “official” for UFC 314 in Miami on April 12.

    “April, 314. … It’s official, I know for a fact,” Nickal said. “I don’t know that it was announced as a fact, but I know that (Topuria vs. Volkanovski 2) is happening.”

    Nickal, who has gone 4-0 in the UFC to date and most recently defeated Paul Craig, went on to outline his own plans to compete on that card.

    The American’s claim comes shortly after Dan Hooker, an occasional training partner of Volkanovski’s, alleged that Topuria had turned down the rematch for UFC 313 in March due to weight concerns.

  • Ilia Topuria’s Brother Gets Alexander Volkanovski’s Teammate As Replacement Opponent For UFC 312

    Ilia Topuria’s Brother Gets Alexander Volkanovski’s Teammate As Replacement Opponent For UFC 312

    UFC debutant Aleksandre Topuria has a new opponent to prepare for, and one that could re-spark the rivalry between his brother Ilia and Alexander Volkanovski.

    While plenty of attention has been on Ilia’s impressive rise to championship glory at 145 pounds in the UFC, his sibling has been working away himself, looking to parve his own path to mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

    And after signing with the promotion, Aleksandre’s debut was announced for UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia early next month. Originally, the 5-1 bantamweight prospect was set to face Cody Haddon. But with an injury ruling him out, Topuria’s new first matchup brings with it a backstory.

    Per a report from Spanish journalist Álvaro Colmenero, “El Cazador” is now set to share the cage with the undefeated Colby Thicknesse on Feb. 8. Interestingly, as well as being a HEC champion, the Australian is a teammate of Volkanovski’s.

    Ilia knocked Volkanovski out in Anaheim almost 12 months ago to capture the featherweight gold. After repeating that violent feat at the expense of Max Holloway last October, many are expecting the Spaniard to run it back with “Alexander the Great” in 2025.

    Another occasional training partner of the ex-champ’s, City Kickboxing standout Dan Hooker, also recently claimed that Topuria turned down a defense against Volkanovski for UFC 313 in March due to a need for longer to make the weight.

    It remains to be seen whether Ilia and his Aussie rival will renew hostilities inside the cage. For now, though, they’ll be preparing for a different team Topuria vs. team Volkanovski battle at UFC 312.

  • Dan Hooker Claims Ilia Topuria Rejected Alexander Volkanovski Rematch For UFC 313 Due To Weight Cut Demand

    According to lightweight contender Dan Hooker, plans for Ilia Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski to run it back this March fell through due to the UFC featherweight champion’s inability to make the weight.

    Hooker recently had his return to action confirmed for UFC 313 in Las Vegas on March 8, where he’ll collide with former interim champion Justin Gaethje in a sure-fire banger.

    The event looks set to be a stacked one, with light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira defending his gold in the main event opposite top contender Magomed Ankalaev.

    As it turns out, though, another high-profile title clash could have found itself on the lineup.

    During a recent appearance on Submission Radio, Hooker asserted that occasional teammate and fellow Oceanian fighter Volkanovski agreed to run it back with Topuria in competition for the 145-pound strap he formerly owned. But according to “The Hangman,” the Spaniard allegedly requested half-a-year to drop the pounds.

    “They wanted to put Volk and Ilia on the (UFC 313) card as well but Ilia said he needs six months to make weight or something. I’m like, ‘Bro, what?’”

    Volkanovski was quick to outline his plans to secure redemption against Topuria after being knocked out by “El Matador” 11 months ago.

    While the reigning champ pointed toward that rematch being his next assignment after defending the belt versus Max Holloway in October, he’s since discussed a lightweight move.

    Topuria’s coach has also added context to those plans by outlining the increasing difficult his man is having making the featherweight limit, perhaps adding some supportive evidence behind Hooker’s claim.

  • Renato Moicano Explains Why Size Won’t Affect Ilia Topuria Finding Success At Lightweight

    Renato Moicano Explains Why Size Won’t Affect Ilia Topuria Finding Success At Lightweight

    UFC lightweight contender Renato Moicano has little doubt that featherweight champion Ilia Topuria would thrive up at 155 pounds.

    While Topuria has competed as a lightweight in his career, he’s gained major prominence down at 145 pounds, where he occupies the throne on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

    2024 marked his best year to date, as the Spaniard captured the belt with a violent knockout of Alexander Volkanovski before repeating the feat at the expense of Max Holloway in his October defense — achievements that saw Topuria crowned MMA News’ Fighter of the Year.

    But there’s talk of “El Matador’s” triumph over “Blessed” marking his last dance at 145 pounds after the champ implied that a permanent lightweight move could be in his immediate future during a radio appearance in Spain.

    Should that come to fruition in 2025, one rising name at 155 pounds in Renato Moicano dismissed suggestions that a smaller frame could hamper Topuria’s pursuit of two-division glory during an interview with MMA Fighting.

    “I think Ilia Topuria is very good…and he is smaller, like I say, but if he can defend the takedowns — and I know he has a good ground game — so if he can defend the takedowns, I think he could knock a lot of people out (at) 155 (pounds).

    “He fought at (lightweight), he fought Jai Herbert. I fought Jai Herbert, I know Jai Herbert is very good and very tall, taller than me,” Moicano continued. “Even though Jai Herbert kicked him in the head, almost knocked him out, he (Topuria) survived. He took that kick and then he (destroyed) Jai Herbert. … So I don’t think size and frame would be a problem.”

    While Topuria ponders his divisional future, Moicano is gearing up for his opportunity to further stake his claim for a first shot at lightweight gold in the UFC.

    Fresh off an impressive 3-0 run in 2024, the Brazilian will kick off his campaign for the new year next weekend inside Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome, where a clash with perennial contender Beneil Dariush awaits.

  • Movsar Evloev: Weight Change Won’t Stop Me ‘Going After’ Ilia Topuria

    Movsar Evloev: Weight Change Won’t Stop Me ‘Going After’ Ilia Topuria

    UFC featherweight contender Movsar Evloev won’t give up in his pursuit of Ilia Topuria, even if it means following him to other divisions.

    Evloev, who currently occupies the #4 spot in the 145-pound rankings, staked his claim for the next shot at Topuria’s gold with two important victories in 2024.

    The undefeated Russian outpointed perennial contender Arnold Allen and former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling to extend his perfect professional and UFC records to 19-0 and 9-0, respectively.

    With that, Evloev has entered the new year with his sights firmly set on “El Matador,” whom he was slated to face back in 2022 before a cancellation.

    Unfortunately for the charging 30-year-old, though, Topuria may have different plans. The champ recently caused a stir by revealing plans to move up to the lightweight division, even suggesting his title defense opposite Max Holloway last October may have marked his final time competing at 145 pounds.

    Should that be the case, Evloev has insisted that the door will remain open for him and Topuria to settle their differences.

    “To be honest, it’s not easy to even understand what’s going on,” Evloev told MMA Fighting regarding his next fight. “Because Max [Holloway] said he will not come back to featherweight again. So Ilia’s talking that he’s moving up, also, especially after my fight. I don’t know what’s going on. For me, it doesn’t matter who will be my next opponent.

    “Even if the champion moves up, he will leave the title. I will get the title and then I will follow him. Lightweight is not too far for me,” Evloev continued. “Even if he moves up, I will take the belt first because this is my first goal. So then I will go after him, even if he goes to middleweight. It doesn’t matter. He’s not a big guy. I don’t need to cut the weight to beat this guy. I need his head on my list.”

    Despite his comments and talk of potentially dropping the featherweight belt to avoid more rough weight cuts in the division, Topuria attempted to clarify things last month, insisting he won’t leave the belt vacant.

  • ‘Where Is Topuria?’ – Fans Debate Islam Makhachev Being Heavy Favorite To Finish 2025 As UFC LW Champion

    ‘Where Is Topuria?’ – Fans Debate Islam Makhachev Being Heavy Favorite To Finish 2025 As UFC LW Champion

    The odds are in for the UFC’s champions in 2025, and betting lines for a number of divisions have stirred debate.

    As always, titles are expected to change hands on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage in the new year. DraftKings doesn’t, however, have the lightweight class as one in which a new kingpin will likely be crowned.

    Opening odds for who will have UFC gold in their possession in 12 months’ time recently emerged, with Islam Makhachev set as the favorite to be occupying the 155-pound throne at the end of 2025.

    For that to be the case, the Dagestani will first need to get past the second favorite on the list, Arman Tsarukyan, in their headlining rematch at UFC 311 in Los Angeles next weekend.

    The odds have Tsarukyan at +500 to finish 2025 as the UFC lightweight titleholder, being pipped to the post by Makhachev’s -120 line.

    That, in addition to the figures beside names like Charles Oliveira, Renato Moicano, and Dan Hooker, have split opinion in the MMA community online.

    One of the biggest talking points came via an absent name from the list — UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria, who has expressed interest in returning to 155 pounds this year.

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  • Ilia Topuria On Meeting Conor McGregor: It Felt Like His Aura Came From Hell

    Ilia Topuria On Meeting Conor McGregor: It Felt Like His Aura Came From Hell

    Ilia Topuria didn’t have the most positive experience meeting Conor McGregor, largely due to the energy and body language he perceived during their interaction. Topuria shared his thoughts during a resurfaced clip from The Wild Project podcast, where he reflected on the time they both fought at UFC 264.

    At the event, McGregor headlined the card against Dustin Poirier but suffered a gruesome leg break in the first round. Meanwhile, Topuria delivered an impressive first-round KO victory over Ryan Hall. Despite their contrasting outcomes, Topuria recalled an unsettling vibe from McGregor.

    “Super bad vibes,” Topuria described (H/T to MMA Mania). “Look, analyzing people as human beings, let’s look at Conor. A guy, his wife, his children, his family. I can’t give an opinion. I don’t know how these people are. He might be an excellent person, and I perceived his energy in a different way from what it is. He simply came to work, put on a show.

    “But the feeling I had when he was around was, ‘Keep him away!’ Keep him away. Because you can be Conor McGregor and act however you want, but no one is above me, only God, you know what I’m saying? Congratulations on your career, I respect it. But don’t tell me a thing because I’ll take your head off.”

    Topuria went on to describe McGregor’s aura as something he had never encountered before:

    “Just a terrible energy. I swear it felt like his aura came from hell. I wanted to be away from this dude, he had a black energy I have never felt before. Agustin, my trainer, he’s a very spiritual guy. He’s very careful with the energies. He said, ‘This dude is gonna lose badly and split.’ He broke his leg that night. He brought an energy of hell, you know what I’m saying?”

    Since that fateful night at UFC 264, McGregor has yet to return to competition, now over three and a half years later. In contrast, Topuria has continued to rise in the UFC, recently defending his Featherweight Championship against former champion Max Holloway.

  • Dan Hooker Doubts Ilia Topuria’s Lightweight Claims: ‘He’s Just Working Off McGregor’s Playbook’

    Dan Hooker Doubts Ilia Topuria’s Lightweight Claims: ‘He’s Just Working Off McGregor’s Playbook’

    While Ilia Topuria and his team have teased a move up to lightweight, it appears not everyone believes that the UFC featherweight champion will make such a jump.

    During a recent appearance on Submission Radio, Topuria’s coach, Jorge Climent, teased that Topuria is looking at a move up to lightweight, even if it means leaving the UFC flyweight title he won just 10 months ago behind.

    The expectation had been that Topuria would have a rematch with the man he took the belt from, Alexander Volkanovski, at some point in 2025. But “El Matador” caused a stir during a radio appearance in Spain when he suggested he’s competed at 145 pounds for the last time.

    One key lightweight contender, Dan Hooker, thinks that talk from Topuria and his camp is just that — talk.

    Dan Hooker Doesn’t Believe Ilia Topuria Will Make Jump To Lightweight

    During his own recent interview with Submission Radio, Hooker described Topuria’s remarks as “classic s***” that stems from McGregor’s own playbook from 2015-16.

    “It’s pretty evident that he’s just working off the line one from McGregor’s playbook, which is keeping your name in the headlines,” Hooker said. “So, all I kind of see from it is that Ilia Topuria is keeping his name in the headlines — like the guy doesn’t fight that often. I think he just fights Volk next year.”

    Topuria won the featherweight title by knocking out Volkanovski at UFC 298. He then successfully retained the title at UFC 308, becoming the first man to knock out former champion Max Holloway.

    It should be noted the featherweight division is not cleaned out, with Diego Lopes and Movsar Evolev each making their claims of late for a potential title shot down the line.

    Hooker, meanwhile, won his third straight fight at UFC 305 in August, defeating Mateusz Gamrot in an entertaining upset.

  • Ilia Topuria’s 5-1 Brother Booked For Long-Awaited UFC Debut In 2025

    Ilia Topuria’s 5-1 Brother Booked For Long-Awaited UFC Debut In 2025

    A prominent name on the European regional MMA scene will now be making his UFC debut — and that means one UFC titleholder won’t be the only one in his family in the Octagon.

    Aleksandre Topuria, the brother of UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria, will be making his UFC debut at UFC 312 on Feb. 8 in Australia. He will be taking on Cody Haddon in a bantamweight clash Down Under.

    The news was first revealed by Spanish reporter Álvaro Colmenero on X.

    Ilia Topuria’s Brother To Make UFC Debut At UFC 312

    The younger Topuria brother is 5-1. He made his professional MMA debut in 2015 but took a layoff of over six years from the sport following a loss to Ivo Ivanov at the end of that year.

    “El Cazador” has won three straight, all by way of first-round finishes, to earn his path on to the sport’s biggest stage.

    Haddon, meanwhile, submitted Billy Brand earlier this year on Dana White’s Contender Series before making his UFC debut in October, taking a decision over Dan Argueta.

    Aleksandre’s brother, Ilia Topuria, has taken up plenty of the MMA headlines of late. He’s notably teased a move up to lightweight and squashed a rumored bout between him and Conor McGregor.