Ilia Topuria recently hinted at a possible move to the UFC welterweight division during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. The Georgian-Spanish fighter, known as ‘El Matador,’ suggested that he could make the jump to the 170-pound weight class before ending his career.

In the interview, Topuria took a jab at the former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, who lost his title earlier this year, implying that challenging Muhammad might be an easy route to a championship opportunity.

Topuria Sees Title Opportunity Following Muhammad’s Defeat

Topuria expressed his interest in the welterweight belt, particularly if Islam Makhachev claims the lightweight crown at UFC 317 and if Makhachev were to later compete at welterweight. Before Muhammad’s loss to Jack Della Maddalena, Topuria was focused on potential matchups with Makhachev but is now reconsidering his path.

When asked directly if he would move to welterweight, Topuria replied,

“Yeah, for sure. That could happen.”

He further commented on Muhammad’s status, stating,

“If you have a champion like Belal or many names I could bring right now, that’s an easy path. Like, you can go slap him and get the title. That’s it.”

Topuria’s Goal: Becoming UFC’s First Three-Division Champion

Aside from the welterweight prospects, Topuria has publicly set a high bar for his career, aiming to become UFC’s first-ever three-division champion. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, he expressed interest in facing Makhachev regardless of their weight class.

Topuria said,

“We’ll see how he [Islam Makhachev] does in the welterweight division. If he wins the title, I win the title in the lightweight division, maybe I move up or he comes down to the lightweight division and we have the fight that everyone wants to see.”

He also emphasized,

“If Islam becomes the welterweight world champion, for sure I’m going to push for that shot also, and I will move to the welterweight division.”

The Implications of Topuria’s Potential Weight Class Switch

Topuria’s possible move to welterweight adds a new layer of anticipation to the division, especially following Muhammad’s recent title loss. Should Topuria transition successfully, his challenge to established fighters could reshape the welterweight landscape. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if Topuria’s ambitions for multiple division titles come to fruition, potentially setting up a clash with Islam Makhachev in the near future.