Ilia Topuria harbors ambitions of eventually becoming a champion in three different UFC weight categories, but it appears he may need to postpone chasing that particular goal for the immediate future.
Following his impressive first-round knockout victory over Charles Oliveira, which secured him the vacant lightweight title, Topuria disclosed that the UFC had specifically requested he not immediately announce his intention to move up to the 170-pound division. Although he had hinted at this possibility multiple times before UFC 317, even mentioning hopes of eventually fighting former lightweight king Islam Makhachev, Topuria stated that promotion officials had already attempted to discourage him from the idea.
Speaking on the “About Last Fight” podcast, Topuria admitted he had considered the move, saying, “I thought about [moving up].” However, he shared a recent interaction with the promotion: “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.”
While the pursuit of a third title remains a long-term possibility, Topuria confessed his immediate focus will be on the lightweight division where he now reigns as champion. He did, however, concede that a future move to welterweight “could happen” eventually.
Numerous potential opponents await him in the lightweight class, but perhaps the most anticipated matchup is against Paddy Pimblett, who even stepped into the Octagon for a faceoff after Topuria’s win over Oliveira.
Topuria openly stated that facing Pimblett is undoubtedly the fight he wants the most, especially after he found it difficult to grapple with his emotions towards Oliveira, given the significant respect and admiration he held for the former champion.
He expressed his feelings towards Pimblett without reservation, saying, “That’s the guy that I will really enjoy to punch him in the face. 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.”
Topuria also dismissed the notion of a potential fight against Justin Gaethje when Gaethje`s name was suggested as a possible contender for his first title defense.
When asked about the proposed Gaethje matchup, Topuria responded dismissively: “The only thing I realize is that you don’t like the guy. Because I don’t know why you want to put him against me.”
