Former UFC featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria, who is known for his striking prowess, believes his power will reach a new level as he transitions to the 155-pound lightweight division.
In an interview, Topuria confidently stated that at 155 pounds, a single touch from him will be enough to knock opponents out. He emphasized that he doesn`t even need to hit the chin, just a touch to the head will be devastating.
Topuria expressed feeling incredibly powerful and stable at this new weight class, both on his feet and on the ground. He welcomed grappling exchanges and asserted that his stamina is exceptional, capable of lasting for extended periods.
After relinquishing his featherweight title, Topuria is now set to compete in the UFC`s competitive lightweight division. He previously achieved significant victories in the featherweight division, including a knockout win against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024 to capture the title, and a successful title defense against Max Holloway at UFC 308, becoming the first person to defeat Holloway by strikes.
Topuria views this move to a higher weight class as a fresh challenge. When discussing weight classes in general, he noted that while some fighters might be in the wrong division, it ultimately depends on individual factors. He used José Aldo as an example, suggesting Aldo could have potentially fought at 135 pounds but might have lost energy, despite his long and successful reign as a featherweight champion.
