Chael Sonnen recently challenged the UFC‘s decision to schedule a featherweight championship fight before Ilia Topuria‘s lightweight title match, arguing that it prevented Topuria from becoming a double champion. Sonnen expressed his frustration over what he sees as a missed opportunity for Topuria to make history by holding titles in two weight classes simultaneously.
After Topuria vacated his featherweight belt at 145 pounds to move up to the lightweight division, Alexander Volkanovski captured the featherweight title by defeating Diego Lopes at UFC 314. Subsequently, Topuria secured the vacant lightweight championship after defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
In a video posted on Instagram, Sonnen voiced his displeasure, stating:
“Whoever handed Ilia two belts were wrong to do so. Highly wrong… If somebody else came in and they tried to make claims that were not true, that’s offensive to me. He’s not a double champion. Before you think I’m giving Ilia a hard time, he should be the double champion.”
Sonnen emphasized the impact of the UFC’s scheduling choices:
“It was a mistake to hold the 145-pound world title fight before [Topuria vs. Oliveira] fight because it stopped Ilia from being a double champion.”
This controversy highlights the rare achievement of UFC double champions, with Conor McGregor being among only four fighters in history to hold featherweight and lightweight titles simultaneously.
Ilia Topuria’s thoughts on a possible showdown with Conor McGregor at his peak
Ilia Topuria, who once admired Conor McGregor, shared his views on how he would fare against a prime version of the Irish star during a recent interview with Alvaro Colmenero. Despite his past respect, Topuria confidently predicted an outcome in his favor if they fought in McGregor’s prime years.
He remarked:
“Without a doubt [I’d beat McGregor]. The sport evolves every year. It’s constantly evolving. It’s like comparing a football star from the 80s or 90s to today’s game. Would they shine? Maybe, but I think there are better players now.”
McGregor has not competed since losing to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021 and had to withdraw from a scheduled fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 last year due to a toe injury, leaving his return uncertain.
Implications for UFC and Topuria’s future ambitions
Chael Sonnen’s remarks underline the tension surrounding UFC’s title fight arrangements and how they affect fighters’ career milestones. Topuria’s ambition to become a double champion remains significant, especially given the prestige of joining elite company like McGregor. The UFC’s decisions could influence how history remembers fighters attempting to hold belts in multiple divisions simultaneously.
As Topuria continues his rise, fans and analysts will watch closely to see if he can overcome these obstacles and solidify his legacy within the organization’s competitive landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ilia Topuria Turkish?
A. Ilia Topuria, born on January 21, 1997, is a professional fighter from Georgia and Spain.
He participates in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) within the Lightweight class.
As of now, he holds the title of UFC Lightweight Champion.