Ilia Topuria says he'll keep featherweight title after Makhachev welterweight bout

Ilia Topuria has stated that if he moves up to welterweight to fight Islam Makhachev, he believes the outcome will be different because he plans to return to lightweight afterward. The featherweight champion appears confident that he would retain his title even after competing in a higher weight class. Topuria's comments suggest he is open to challenging Makhachev at 170 pounds rather than at lightweight. The statement indicates Topuria's belief that moving to welterweight would give him advantages while allowing him to maintain his championship status.