While Ilia Topuria ultimately envisions himself conquering three UFC weight classes, it appears he may have to put that aspiration on hold for the immediate future.
Following his dominant first-round knockout victory over Charles Oliveira, a win that secured him the vacant lightweight title, Topuria disclosed that the UFC explicitly asked him not to publicly declare his intentions to move up to the 170-pound division right away. Although he had previously hinted at this possibility multiple times, even suggesting a desire to face former lightweight king Islam Makhachev, Topuria stated that promotional officials had already attempted to dissuade him from an immediate move.
Speaking on the “About Last Fight” podcast, Topuria confirmed, “I thought about [moving up].” He elaborated on the conversation 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 chasing that third title is still a long-term goal, Topuria indicated he plans to remain focused on the lightweight division where he is now champion. However, he did concede that a move to welterweight “could happen” at some point down the line.
Topuria faces a considerable list of potential challengers in his current division, but arguably the most significant and talked-about potential opponent is Paddy Pimblett. Pimblett famously entered the cage immediately after Topuria`s victory over Oliveira for an impromptu faceoff.
Topuria admitted that a fight against Pimblett is unequivocally the matchup he desires most. This sentiment is particularly strong after he experienced emotional difficulty competing against Charles Oliveira, a fighter he holds in immense love and respect.
Expressing his eagerness regarding Pimblett, Topuria stated candidly, “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 want 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.”
Furthermore, Topuria seemed to dismiss the notion of facing Justin Gaethje when Gaethje`s name was brought up as a potential opponent for his first title defense.
In response to the suggestion of a fight with Gaethje, Topuria remarked, “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.”
