With each passing day, Ilia Topuria is increasingly showing that he is following in the footsteps of Conor McGregor. The UFC champion not only dresses like McGregor but also shares a similar persona, exuding confidence and charisma that draws fans towards him. Not just that but his antics in and out of the octagon are similar to the Irishman’s. Now, Topuria has taken another step in this direction by announcing his ambition to chase the lightweight title after his upcoming fight against Max Holloway at UFC 308.
Though the UFC has seen many champions, only a handful have reached double champ status. Ilia Topuria, currently on a dominant streak, was asked about moving up to 155 pounds in a recent interview with Ariel Helwani. Replying to this, the featherweight champion revealed his plans to chase a second title in the lightweight division after his upcoming fight with Max Holloway. However, he added it’s all up to the UFC.
He said, “I could do it after this one. I want to do it, I want to do it, I want to do it. But the thing is, what the UFC wants me to do. At the end of the day I’m a fighter, that’s my job. They know better than me, who I should fight, so.”
He mentioned that if given the green light to move up to 155, he would go for it. It’s something he wants to do since it makes cutting weight easier, and he feels comfortable at that weight. Additionally, having already fought at 155 in London against Jai Herbert, Topuria feels confident, but only for the world title, not against any other opponent. Indeed, it will be interesting to see if UFC gives him the chance.
Ilia Topuria Calls Out Conor McGregor Over Support For Max Holloway
There’s no doubt that McGregor is outspoken and always says what’s on his mind. With the buzz around UFC 308, ‘Notorious’ made it clear that he is backing the Hawaiian fighter. He expressed that Holloway has earned everything he’s achieved, is currently the BMF title holder, and dismissed Topuria, calling Holloway the real deal.
For obvious reasons, ‘El Matador’ wasn’t happy with McGregor’s remarks, accusing him of being a “fake fighter.” Topuria went on to call out McGregor’s losses to Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz and the tough defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
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It will be interesting to see if Holloway can live up to McGregor’s support and prove him right with his performance.
Also Read: Ilia Topuria Confidently Eyes Double Champ Status After UFC 308 Victory Over Max Holloway
