Ilia Topuria stated that he believes he could move up to welterweight to face Islam Makhachev and still retain his lightweight title. Topuria explained that after such a fight, he would return to the lightweight division. The Georgian champion's comments suggest confidence in his ability to compete at a higher weight class while maintaining his standing in his current division. This statement comes amid ongoing speculation about potential superfights in the UFC.
Ilia Topuria has declared he would move up in weight to challenge Islam Makhachev and still hold onto his lightweight title, adding fresh fuel to superfight speculation that has been building around two of the UFC's biggest names.
Topuria, known as El Matador, holds a 17-1-0 record and currently sits at number two in the lightweight division while carrying the number-one pound-for-pound ranking. The 29-year-old Spanish-Georgian fighter competes out of Climent Club and brings a notably high-volume striking game to the cage, landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy. He also averages nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat at 155 pounds.
Makhachev, meanwhile, has made the welterweight division his home with a 28-1-0 record and holds the welterweight championship. The 34-year-old Russian, who trains with Eagles MMA, sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings and is renowned for his grappling-heavy approach, averaging 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. He lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 58 percent accuracy, making him one of the most efficient fighters in the sport.
Topuria's comments indicated that he views a move to welterweight as temporary, suggesting he would return to lightweight after any such matchup. The remarks signal strong self-belief in his ability to operate above his natural weight class.
Why it matters
- Topuria is the UFC's top pound-for-pound fighter, giving a potential crossover fight enormous promotional weight
- Makhachev's grappling dominance against Topuria's striking volume sets up a compelling stylistic clash
- A victory for either fighter would carry significant implications across two divisions simultaneously
- The size difference — Makhachev stands five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach against Topuria's five-foot-seven and 69-inch reach — adds another layer to the matchup debate
