Ilia Topuria believes in the promises made by Dana White and the UFC.
The current featherweight champion is preparing to move up to the lightweight division (155 pounds) and will vacate his featherweight belt. Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes are scheduled to compete for the vacant title at UFC 314 on April 12. Topuria is waiting for official confirmation about his lightweight title fight, unsure if his opponent will be the current champion, Islam Makhachev, or another top contender who needs to be defeated first to earn the opportunity.
Following a Way of Warrior event in Madrid, Spain, Topuria spoke to the media and reassured his fans that the UFC has assured him his next fight will be for the lightweight championship, regardless of the opponent.
“I am not completely certain about who I will fight next,” Topuria said in Spanish. “However, I am certain that the UFC has promised my next fight will be for the world title. That is all I know. After that, whether it will be against Islam, or Charles, I have no idea.”
He further stated, “The belt will be at stake. That was the agreement for vacating my current title. They have always kept their word.”
Topuria did not specify that he must fight Makhachev. He indicated that either Makhachev will defend his title against him, or Makhachev may move up to the 170-pound division, allowing Topuria and another contender to battle for the vacant lightweight title.
Charles Oliveira could be that contender, as Topuria has previously expressed interest in fighting him, leading to some verbal exchanges between them. However, Oliveira recently downplayed Topuria, stating he is not a “big fight,” which Topuria responded to sharply by questioning Oliveira`s achievements.
“I have not insulted Oliveira, I have stated facts,” Topuria explained. “He has 10 losses. I have said nothing more than that. Ten losses. Five knockouts, four submissions, and one decision. He claims lightweight is the toughest division. When he was competing at 145 pounds, even Cub Swanson defeated him. That concludes the discussion.
“He achieved at 155 pounds what he couldn`t at 145, becoming champion. So, why is that division tougher than mine? I see no logic in it. That’s why I mentioned he seems to have not read a single newspaper page. If stating the truth is now disrespectful, I am unaware of when that became the case.”
