Ilia Topuria has aspirations of eventually conquering three different weight classes in the UFC, but it appears his pursuit of that goal might be temporarily paused.
Following his spectacular first-round knockout victory over Charles Oliveira, which secured him the vacant lightweight championship, Topuria shared an interesting detail: the UFC specifically requested that he avoid immediately declaring his intentions to move up to the 170-pound welterweight division. While he had previously hinted at this possibility, even mentioning a potential clash with former lightweight king Islam Makhachev, Topuria stated that promotion officials had already attempted to dissuade him from an immediate move.
Speaking on the show About Last Fight, Topuria recounted the conversation:
“I thought about [moving up],” Topuria said. “But the last conversation I had with the UFC they personally asked me the favor like ‘don’t tell us after the fight that you want to move to the welterweight division. Make us a promise.’ I was like ‘promise.’ I was [crossing my fingers]. I promise.”
Although the dream of a third title remains alive, Topuria confirmed he would concentrate on the lightweight division where he now reigns supreme, but he did acknowledge that a move to welterweight “could happen” sometime in the future.
He faces a lineup of potential contenders in the lightweight ranks, perhaps none generating as much buzz as a clash with Paddy Pimblett. Pimblett notably entered the octagon for a faceoff with Topuria after the win against Oliveira.
Topuria admitted that the fight against Pimblett is unquestionably the one he desires most. He contrasted this strong desire with the emotional difficulty he faced when competing against Oliveira, a fighter he held in high regard.
Expressing clear enthusiasm for a confrontation with Pimblett, Topuria stated:
“That’s the guy that I will really enjoy to punch him in the face,” Topuria said. “Really, really will enjoy that fight. I know I can do with him whatever I to do. Tell me, kid, what you want me to do with you. I’m going to do whatever I want to do. I don’t want to use my words.”
He also dismissed the notion of a fight against Justin Gaethje when that name was brought up as a potential opponent for his initial title defense.
Responding to the suggestion of fighting Gaethje, Topuria remarked dismissively:
“The only thing I realize is that you don’t like the guy,” Topuria responded. “Because I don’t know why you want to put him against me.”
