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

Ilia Topuria has stated that if he moves up to welterweight to face Islam Makhachev, the situation will be different because he plans to return to the lightweight division afterward. The featherweight champion believes he will retain his title even after competing at a higher weight class. Topuria's comments suggest confidence in his ability to move between divisions while maintaining championship status. The statement adds intrigue to potential future matchmaking involving the Georgian champion. No timeline or official bout agreement was mentioned in his remarks.