Ilia Topuria made an unforgettable impact by knocking out Charles Oliveira to claim the lightweight title at UFC 317, a feat that even Dustin Poirier openly admired. Poirier, preparing for his retirement fight at UFC 318, praised Topuria’s power and finishing ability, recognizing the significance of overcoming a fighter as formidable as Oliveira.
With firsthand experience of Oliveira’s toughness—having lost to him via submission in a 2021 title bout—Poirier’s respect for Topuria grew as he reflected on the emphatic nature of the knockout.
It’s not that I didn’t think he could do it or it would happen, I was just surprised like everybody else,
Poirier commented during UFC 318 media day.
We’ve never seen Charles put out like that. We’ve seen Charles stopped but we’ve never seen him put out like that.
—Dustin Poirier, Former Interim Lightweight Champion
Just the streak the guy’s on. I’m a big fan. Any time he’s fighting, I’m watching. I keep saying the same thing but he’s everything that he said he is so far. He’s still young, the sky’s the limit. He’s him.
—Dustin Poirier, Former Interim Lightweight Champion
Options Ahead for Ilia Topuria After Capturing the Lightweight Title
Following his remarkable achievement, Topuria faces several potential directions for his career. Although Poirier’s own pursuit of titles is ending soon, he expressed hope that Topuria would concentrate on solidifying his reign in the lightweight division by defending his championship multiple times before considering any move up in weight class.
Topuria has indicated interest in eventually competing at welterweight (170 pounds), especially if Islam Makhachev, a former UFC lightweight champion, succeeds in claiming the lightweight title and then targets the welterweight belt. Makhachev is expected to face current welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena later this year, a matchup that could influence Topuria’s future plans.
Poirier Cautions Against Immediate Move to Welterweight
Having recently fought Makhachev himself, Poirier understands the challenge of facing the Russian fighter. He advises Topuria to remain in the lightweight division rather than rushing to welterweight to pursue Makhachev, believing that the jump could prove difficult due to physical differences.
[Lightweight] has always been so cloudy at the top. Maybe [Justin] Gaethje?
Poirier said when discussing Topuria’s possible opponents.
I think him going to 170 to fight Islam if Islam wins is a stretch. Islam’s big. I’ve never seen Ilia in person, he seems smaller. Obviously he can knock anyone out. I do think if they fight, Ilia can knock anybody out from 145 to 170 [pounds].
—Dustin Poirier, Former Interim Lightweight Champion
[Topuria] has the skills, the power, the technique but we’ve just never seen him in there with somebody that big and with that caliber of wrestling. But I think he should defend to [155] title a few times before that’s talked about. We’ll see.
—Dustin Poirier, Former Interim Lightweight Champion
Insights on Makhachev’s Potential Transition to Welterweight
Poirier does not doubt Makhachev’s ability to adjust smoothly to the welterweight class, noting the Russian’s large frame even while competing at 155 pounds. Poirier believes Makhachev’s lifestyle outside of training should make maintaining the higher weight manageable.
He’s a big guy, I think he’s going to fill into that weight,
Poirier remarked about Makhachev.
He’s a really big 155’er. So I think his lifestyle outside of training camp is going to be a little more comfortable and he’ll fill into that weight class no problem. He can be champion there for sure.
—Dustin Poirier, Former Interim Lightweight Champion
Upcoming Showdown Between Makhachev and Della Maddalena Catches Attention
The upcoming fight between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena carries significant implications for the welterweight division, with Poirier acknowledging the competitive edge of both athletes. Della Maddalena’s size and athleticism could challenge Makhachev’s dominance, making it a contest to watch closely.
I think the beginning of the fight’s going to tell the story. How well JDM does at getting up, how well JDM does at keeping Islam off of his feet, off of his legs, off of the cage. It’s tough to call that. Because JDM is a big guy, athletic. I’m excited about that.
—Dustin Poirier, Former Interim Lightweight Champion
Future Implications for Ilia Topuria UFC Lightweight Champion and Division Dynamics
Dustin Poirier’s insights highlight the promising rise of Ilia Topuria as the UFC lightweight champion and underline the complexities involved in moving between weight classes in MMA’s elite ranks. While Topuria demonstrates the talent and power necessary to be competitive across multiple divisions, Poirier’s experienced caution suggests the fighter focus on defending his lightweight title before contemplating a jump to welterweight.
The outcomes of future matches, especially the anticipated clash between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena, are likely to shape the landscape of both weight classes, influencing Topuria’s decisions and the broader competitive environment at UFC 318 and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ilia Topuria Turkish?
A. Ilia Topuria, born on January 21, 1997, is a professional mixed martial artist from Georgia and Spain. He fights in the Lightweight class of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and holds the title of UFC Lightweight Champion.