Even before winning the featherweight title, Ilia Topuria had plans to move up to the lightweight division in pursuit of double-champ status. Now, his coach, Jorge Climent, has provided significant updates on his future. Climent revealed that ‘El Matador’ is moving to lightweight and targets a May return against Charles Oliveira or Dustin Poirier.
The featherweight champion remains unbeaten in the UFC. Ilia Topuria also boasts impressive knockout victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. Following his win at UFC 308, many expected the 27-year-old champion to face former featherweight titleholder Volkanovski next. The two even shared a faceoff in the octagon at UFC 308. However, it now seems Topuria has different plans.
In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Topuria’s coach, Jorge Climent, shared insights into the fighter’s struggles with the featherweight weight cut. Climent revealed:
“The reality is, he hates that weight [cut]. He did it a lot of times. It’s harder every time we do it. He touched the [underworld]; he doesn’t want to do it anymore. That’s why he wants to go up to the next weight class. I don’t think he is going to defend the featherweight title. I think he wants to go to lightweight.”
Topuria’s coach also mentioned that the fighter is looking to face a ranked opponent in the lightweight division to secure a title shot. However, Conor McGregor has fired back at Topuria’s ambitions.
Conor McGregor Reacts to Ilia Topuria’s Retirement Plans
Featherweight champion Topuria has stirred controversy with his plans to move to lightweight and retire by 30, citing a lack of motivation to defend his title.
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In an interview with El Partidazo de COPE, Topuria stated, “I’m 27, I hope to be out by 30. Right now, in my division, I no longer have the motivation to defend the belt anymore. Now I want to move up a [weight class] and we’ll see how everything goes.”
Reacting to this, Conor McGregor reignited their rivalry on X, saying, “Here’s the truth that will hurt all the little wannabe nobodies. Fighting was too easy for me, I done it all by 27 years old.”
Conor McGregor responds to Ilia Topuria’s claim that he plans to retire at 30:
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 10, 2024
“Fighting was too easy for me, I done it all by 27 years old” (via.@TheNotoriousMMA)🔹 pic.twitter.com/5u1ngiVc5c
The future of featherweight champion Ilia Topuria remains uncertain. Fans are eagerly anticipating which division he will compete in next.
