Topuria says he would keep featherweight title after welterweight Makhachev bout

Ilia Topuria has stated that if he moves up to welterweight to face Islam Makhachev, he believes the outcome would be different and he would retain his featherweight title afterward. Topuria indicated he would return to lightweight division following such a bout. The comments suggest Topuria is open to fighting Makhachev at welterweight rather than lightweight. No official plans for this matchup have been announced. Topuria currently holds the UFC featherweight championship.