Ilia Topuria believes he can move up to welterweight to fight Islam Makhachev and still retain his featherweight championship. The current featherweight titleholder stated that if he moves up to welterweight, things will be different because he plans to return to the lightweight division after the fight. Topuria's comments suggest confidence in his ability to compete at a higher weight class while maintaining his status as featherweight champion. His remarks indicate interest in a potential superfight with the lightweight champion. The statement was made in a recent interview or social media post.
Ilia Topuria has declared he can challenge Islam Makhachev at welterweight and still walk away as featherweight champion, signaling his intent to pursue one of the most ambitious superfights in recent MMA history.
Topuria, known as "El Matador," currently holds the featherweight title and sits at number one in the pound-for-pound rankings. The 29-year-old Spaniard carries a 17-1 record and is ranked second in the lightweight division, suggesting he has already been operating with an eye toward bigger opportunities. He is one of the most active strikers in the sport, landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute, and adds consistent grappling pressure with nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes. Topuria stated that if the Makhachev fight takes place at welterweight, he intends to return to lightweight afterward, leaving his featherweight title status intact.
Makhachev presents an entirely different challenge. The Russian fighter out of Eagles MMA holds a 28-1 record, is the current welterweight champion, and is ranked first in the pound-for-pound standings. At 34 years old and standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, Makhachev brings a grinding, suffocating style built around elite grappling — averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts in that same span — paired with a striking accuracy of 58 percent.
Why it matters
- Topuria is currently ranked second at lightweight, making a jump to welterweight an enormous ask physically
- A win over the pound-for-pound number one would cement Topuria's legacy across multiple divisions
- The stylistic contrast — Topuria's high-volume striking against Makhachev's dominant wrestling — makes this one of the most compelling potential matchups in the sport
- Featherweight title implications hinge on how the UFC chooses to handle Topuria's status during any absence from the division
