Ilia Topuria says he would keep featherweight title if he fights Islam at 170

Ilia Topuria believes he will retain his featherweight title if he moves up to welterweight to fight Islam Makhachev. Topuria stated that if he goes up to welterweight, everything will be different because he would return to lightweight division after that fight. His comments suggest confidence that a potential superfight at 170 pounds would not jeopardize his status as featherweight champion. The statement reflects ongoing discussions about potential champion-versus-champion matchups. No official plans for such a bout have been announced.