UFC fighter Ilia Topuria has officially confirmed he will leave the featherweight division before defending his title against Max Holloway. The decision sets the stage for Topuria’s next challenge at lightweight, where he plans to compete against Charles Oliveira in a highly anticipated bout.
This upcoming fight, scheduled for Saturday night at UFC 317, marks Topuria’s attempt to become a two-division world champion. Fans and experts largely predict ‘El Matador’ will succeed, but Oliveira’s prior reign as lightweight champion means the match promises to be fiercely contested.
Reasons Behind Topuria’s Shift to Lightweight
Topuria had long been viewed as a fighter capable of competing strongly at 155 pounds, and his full transition to this weight class has been in consideration for some time. He explained his choice stemmed from careful discussions with his family and team, as well as his desire to face Max Holloway before departing featherweight.
“Even before the fight, I was sure that I would leave the division. I already spoke to my family, to my team, and I told everyone that this is the last fight.”
—Ilia Topuria
The fighter emphasized that this will be the final weight cut he undergoes, signaling a permanent move up to lightweight. Having claimed the featherweight championship by defeating Alexander Volkanovski, Topuria felt compelled to battle Holloway first as a way to close this chapter.
“I have to fight him. I have to beat him. And this is what I did.”
—Ilia Topuria
What’s Next for Topuria After the Lightweight Bout?
Considered one of the most formidable athletes in mixed martial arts today, Ilia Topuria aims to secure a decisive victory over Oliveira to capture the lightweight title. The outcome of this fight will significantly impact his standing in the UFC and could reshape the lightweight division’s hierarchy.
With a challenging opponent in Oliveira and the stakes at an all-time high, Topuria’s move away from featherweight represents a pivotal moment in his career. Fans will be closely watching UFC 317 to see if he can add a second championship to his resume and confirm his position among the sport’s elite.