Topuria believes he'd keep featherweight title if moving up for Makhachev

Ilia Topuria has stated he believes he could move up to welterweight to face Islam Makhachev and still retain his lightweight title. Topuria suggested that after such a fight at welterweight, he would return to defend the lightweight championship. This represents an unconventional proposal, as UFC typically strips champions who move up weight classes. The comments reflect Topuria's confidence about competing in multiple divisions. No official discussions about this matchup have been reported.