Ilia Topuria harbors ambitions of eventually conquering three weight divisions in the UFC, but it appears he may need to put his chase for that particular goal on hold for a while.
Following his spectacular first-round knockout victory over Charles Oliveira, which earned him the vacant lightweight title, Topuria disclosed that the UFC actually requested he refrain from immediately announcing his intention to move up to the 170-pound division. While he had hinted at this possibility multiple times leading up to UFC 317, even mentioning a potential clash with former lightweight king Islam Makhachev, Topuria stated that promotion officials had already attempted to talk him out of the move.
Discussing the conversation on the “About Last Fight” podcast, Topuria recounted, “I thought about [moving up]. But the last conversation I had with the UFC they personally asked me the favor like ‘don’t tell us after the fight that you want to move to the welterweight division. Make us a promise.’ I was like ‘promise.’ I was [crossing my fingers]. I promise.”
Although he still hopes to eventually challenge for a third title, Topuria confessed he intends to remain focused on the lightweight division where he currently holds the championship. However, he did acknowledge that a move to welterweight “could happen” at some point in the future.
He has a long list of potential opponents vying for a shot at his title, but arguably none are bigger than a confrontation with Paddy Pimblett, who notably entered the cage for a faceoff after Topuria`s win over Oliveira.
Topuria admitted that the fight against Pimblett is unequivocally the one he desires the most, particularly because he found it challenging to manage his emotions regarding Oliveira due to his immense love and respect for the former lightweight champion.
Regarding Pimblett, Topuria expressed, “That’s the guy that I will really enjoy to punch him in the face. Really, really will enjoy that fight. I know I can do with him whatever I to do. Tell me, kid, what you want me to do with you. I’m going to do whatever I want to do. I don’t want to use my words.”
He also dismissed the notion of a potential matchup against Justin Gaethje when Gaethje`s name was suggested as a possible opponent for his first title defense.
Responding to the proposed Gaethje fight, Topuria remarked, “The only thing I realize is that you don’t like the guy. Because I don’t know why you want to put him against me.”
