Ilia Topuria stated that if he moves up to welterweight to fight Islam Makhachev, he will not be stripped of his lightweight title because he plans to continue defending the 155-pound belt. Topuria also expressed disappointment with Paddy Pimblett's performance against Renato Moicano, saying he knew Pimblett was a poor fighter but didn't realize the extent. Additionally, the post covered Jiri Prochazka claiming he competed at 40-50% capacity in his recent loss due to injury and was waiting for the referee to stop the fight, plus Magomed Ankalaev calling out Khalil Rountree.
Ilia Topuria has made clear that any move up to face Islam Makhachev would not cost him his lightweight title, insisting he intends to keep defending the 155-pound belt regardless of what happens at a higher weight class.
Topuria, 29, carries a 17-1-0 record and holds the number-one pound-for-pound ranking in the sport. The Spain-based fighter lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy and supplements his striking with nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the most complete fighters in the lightweight division. He was equally candid about Paddy Pimblett's recent loss to Renato Moicano, saying he had always considered Pimblett a weak fighter but was surprised by the degree of the performance.
Makhachev, the welterweight champion at 28-1-0, sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings at number one and is widely regarded as the division's dominant force. The 34-year-old Russian executes 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands submissions at a rate of 1.1 per 15 minutes, with 58 percent striking accuracy rounding out a suffocating all-around game.
Also addressed in the same news cycle, light heavyweight contender Jiri Prochazka claimed he was operating at only 40 to 50 percent in his most recent loss due to injury and said he was waiting for the referee to intervene and stop the contest. Prochazka, 33, holds a 32-6-1 record and ranks second in the light heavyweight division. The Czech fighter is known for his high output, averaging 5.69 significant strikes per minute with a 55 percent accuracy rate and an 80-inch reach that gives him a significant physical advantage over most opponents.
Why it matters
- A Topuria move to welterweight would create an immediate superfight dynamic with Makhachev while leaving the lightweight title picture unsettled.
- Prochazka's injury disclosure raises questions about the legitimacy of his recent result and his standing as the division's second-ranked contender.
- Magomed Ankalaev calling out Khalil Rountree adds another layer of movement in a light heavyweight division already complicated by Prochazka's comments.
