Ilia Topuria stated that he believes he can retain his featherweight title even if he moves up to welterweight to fight Islam Makhachev. Topuria explained that everything would be different if he moves up in weight class because he plans to return to the lightweight division after that bout. The statement suggests Topuria is considering a move up in weight for a high-profile matchup while maintaining his championship status at featherweight. No specific timeline or confirmation of the fight was provided in the post.
Ilia Topuria has declared that he intends to hold onto his featherweight title even if he moves up to challenge Islam Makhachev, stating that his plans would include a return to lightweight following any such bout.
Topuria, known as El Matador, enters this conversation as one of the sport's most dangerous fighters. The 29-year-old Spaniard carries a 17-1-0 record and currently sits at number two in the lightweight division while holding the top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings. Standing five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach, he is an aggressive and prolific striker, averaging 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, and also adds takedowns and submission threats to his game.
Makhachev, meanwhile, is the reigning welterweight champion and the man Topuria is calling for. The 34-year-old Russian carries a 28-1-0 record and is himself ranked at the top of the pound-for-pound list. Standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, Makhachev is a complete fighter who blends elite grappling — averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes — with sharp striking at 58 percent accuracy and 2.63 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Topuria's insistence on retaining his featherweight title while moving up adds a title-stripping dimension to any potential negotiation
- A matchup would pit the number-one and number-two pound-for-pound fighters against each other across a significant size disparity
- Topuria would be moving up two full weight classes to welterweight, making the stylistic and physical contrast even more pronounced
- No official timeline or fight confirmation has been provided, leaving the bout firmly in the discussion phase
