Ilia Topuria has provided a significant update on his future plans, initially shared by his coach, Jorge Climent. According to Climent, the featherweight champion is aiming to move up to the lightweight division in pursuit of a second title. However, ‘El Matador’ has dismissed any rumors suggesting he will vacate his featherweight belt.
In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Jorge Climent shed light on the fighter’s challenges within the featherweight division. Climent also revealed that ‘El Matador’ plans to move up to lightweight, with a targeted return in May against Charles Oliveira or Dustin Poirier. However, Topuria recently took to X to shut down the rumors, stating:
“I will not leave the title vacant. The decision to move up to the next category is entirely mine. I haven’t had any conversations with the UFC yet, so everything is still to be decided. Stop celebrating because I’m not going anywhere. I have conquered my division, and I will do the same in the next one.”
I will not leave the title vacant. The decision to move up to the next category is entirely mine. I haven't had any conversations with the UFC yet, so everything is still to be decided. Stop celebrating because I’m not going anywhere. I have conquered my division and I will do…
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) December 12, 2024
It’s clear that, for now, the featherweight champion has no plans to vacate his title. However, Topuria did express his ambition to conquer another division as well. When discussing the lightweight division, he previously mentioned the possibility of a future fight with UFC star Conor McGregor.
Ilia Topuria Not Interested In Conor McGregor Fight Right Now
Topuria has ruled out moving up a division for now, ending any chances of facing UFC lightweight stars. While he once shared Conor McGregor’s double-champ ambitions and expressed interest in fighting him, that hope has faded. In a recent interview with El Chiringuito TV, Topuria stated he no longer wants to be associated with McGregor due to his legal issues, saying:
”It interested me, but it doesn’t anymore. He’s going through very serious personal problems. I have no desire to share the octagon with someone like that.”
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Topuria is staying in the featherweight division, which opens the door for a potential matchup with his former rival, Alexander Volkanovski. According to his coach, fans can also expect Topuria’s next fight to take place in June or July. Fans will eagerly await further updates on his next move in the division.
Also Read: Jamahal Hill Voices Support For Ilia Topuria As Fighter Of The Year Over Alex Pereira
