Ilia Topuria News
Joe Rogan pushes for Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev next: "Make the big fight"
Cole Shelton - February 10, 2025
UFC commentator Joe Rogan is hopeful that Ilia Topuria will move up to lightweight to face Islam Makhachev next time out. Topuria has been hinting at a potential fight with Makhachev for the lightweight title. It would be a massive fight, but some fans want to see him defend the featherweight title a couple more times.
Alexander Volkanovski reacts after Ilia Topuria states his desire to fight Islam Makhachev next: “I’ll fight whoever for that belt”
Harry Kettle - February 5, 2025
Alexander Volkanovski has given his thoughts on Ilia Topuria wanting to fight Islam Makhachev next instead of him. As we know, Alexander Volkanovski is an absolutely massive fan favorite in the world of mixed martial arts. He had an incredible run as featherweight champion, and he also dared to be great by moving up to lightweight. Now, his former foe Ilia Topuria is attempting to do the same in order to try and become a two-weight world champion.
UFC champion Ilia Topuria not impressed by Movsar Evloev, would rather fight Diego Lopes
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 5, 2025
UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria doesn’t believe Movsar Evloev is deserving of a title shot. Topuria has been observing the 145-pound division and his potential contenders. While the featherweight king would rather move up to lightweight, he’s letting the UFC brass decide what they want to do with him going forward. “El Matador” is rumored to be facing Alexander Volkanovski in a rematch, but Topuria insists he hasn’t signed anything.
UFC 314 main event between Ilia Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski possibly leaked by rising star
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 27, 2025
Ilia Topuria vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 will headline UFC 314 in Miami, Bo Nickal claims. Much has been made over what’s next for Topuria, the current UFC featherweight champion. “El Matador” has teased possibly moving up to the lightweight division, but he released a statement on social media telling fans to not believe gossip online. Volkanovski has been under the impression that he’s due for a UFC featherweight title rematch.
Movsar Evloev makes it clear he will chase Ilia Topuria fight
Harry Kettle - January 7, 2025
UFC star Movsar Evloev has made it clear that he wants to hunt down Ilia Topuria – regardless of the weight class. Over the course of the last few years, Movsar Evloev has emerged as one of the primary contenders in the featherweight division. Following his win over Aljamain Sterling recently, the expectation is that he’ll receive a title shot sooner rather than later.
Former two-division UFC champion believes Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria is bigger fight than Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 27, 2024
A former UFC “champ-champ” believes Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria could be even bigger than Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall. Many fans have been clamoring for Jones vs. Aspinall given that it would settle who is the best heavyweight in the UFC. “Bones” holds the main title, while Aspinall has his hands on interim gold. While UFC CEO Dana White is looking to make that title unification bout a reality in 2025, is it possible that another mega fight tops that one?
Popular UFC lightweight blasts Ilia Topuria for copying Conor McGregor: 'D*ckhead'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 24, 2024
One notable UFC lightweight contender is taking aim at Ilia Topuria for using the Conor McGregor playbook. It’s no secret that Topuria loves the spotlight. While “El Matador” has shown humbleness after his fights, he never shies away from talking trash. As the reigning UFC featherweight champion keeps winning, he’s likely to see his stock continue to increase.
Islam Makhachev's coach reveals what Ilia Topuria must do to get UFC super fight: 'Now people will look at him like he’s a lightweight'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 18, 2024
Islam Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez believes Ilia Topuria must prove himself as a lightweight if he wants a title shot at 155 pounds. Topuria currently holds the UFC Featherweight Championship. “El Matador” recently teased moving up to the lightweight division, although he has since clarified that a decision hasn’t been made at this time. Topuria has made it clear that a future showdown with Makhachev is on his mind, although the feeling doesn’t appear to be mutual.
Islam Makhachev's retirement timeframe possibly revealed by coach, UFC super fight against Ilia Topuria dismissed
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 16, 2024
Islam Makhachev might ride off into the sunset sooner than fans are hoping for. Makhachev is the reigning UFC lightweight champion. He’s scheduled to put his gold at stake against Arman Tsarukyan in the main event of UFC 311 on January 18th. If he’s able to emerge victorious, then it would be the fourth successful title defense for the 155-pound ruler.
Ilia Topuria explains decision to move up to lightweight for his next fight: “I will not leave the title vacant”
Josh Evanoff - December 12, 2024
UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria is elaborating on his comments about a lightweight move. ‘El Matador’ is fresh off his return to the cage in the main event of UFC 308 in October. Just months after dethroning Alexander Volkanovski, Ilia Topuria met another featherweight great in the form of Max Holloway. ‘Blessed’ earned the title bout riding a wave of momentum, having knocked out Justin Gaethje in April in a rare lightweight appearance.
Ilia Topuria's coach explains why his fighter wants to move up to UFC lightweight division: 'He don't want to do this anymore'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 12, 2024
Ilia Topuria has expressed a desire to move on from the featherweight division, and his coach has explained why. Topuria is the reigning UFC featherweight titleholder. He’s had one successful title defense and that was a huge knockout victory over Max Holloway at UFC 308 back in October. To capture the gold at 145 pounds, Topuria knocked out Alexander Volkanovski. While some might say a move to lightweight is too soon for Topuria, he’s already beat two future UFC Hall of Famers and stalwarts of the featherweight division.
Paddy Pimblett gives his thoughts on Ilia Topuria's potential lightweight move
Harry Kettle - December 12, 2024
UFC star Paddy Pimblett has given his thoughts on Ilia Topuria potentially making the move up to lightweight. For the longest time, Paddy Pimblett has been one of the biggest names in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. While you may not be a big fan of him, nobody can deny the success he’s enjoyed since arriving in the promotion a few years ago.
Conor McGregor calls out 'wannabe' featherweight champ Ilia Topuria
Zain Bando - December 10, 2024
Conor McGregor is back beefing with champions instead of worrying about his personal issues. Based on McGregor’s status with the UFC and Dana White’s non-committal stance regarding McGregor’s legal troubles, a return to MMA is anything but priority.
Dustin Poirier intrigued with Ilia Topuria's potential move to lightweight
Zain Bando - December 10, 2024
Dustin Poirier has responded to Ilia Topuria’s potential plans to move up to lightweight. Poirier, the former UFC interim lightweight champion, is itching for one more fight before his eventual retirement.
Ilia Topuria claims he is moving on from featherweight, targets #1 contender bout with Charles Oliveira at lightweight
Harry Kettle - December 10, 2024
UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has sensationally revealed that he could be planning on moving up to lightweight in the near future. For the longest time, Ilia Topuria has served as one of the most impressive fighters in all of mixed martial arts. For the most part, his accomplishments have come at featherweight, which is the division in which he currently holds the gold right now. Moving forward, the expectation was that he’d stay there and defend his crown – at least a few times, if he’s able to do so.
Islam Makhachev downplays future fight against fellow UFC champion Ilia Topuria: "What will that do for me?"
Josh Evanoff - December 4, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev isn’t very interested in facing Ilia Topuria. ‘El Matador’ is fresh off his return to the octagon in the main event of UFC 308 in October. Back for the first time since knocking out Alexander Volkanovski in February, Ilia Topuria met Max Holloway. Ahead of the contest, both featherweights were discussing a move to 155 pounds. For his part, ‘Blessed’ was coming off a knockout win over Justin Gaethje in April.
UFC legend thinks Ilia Topuria is on pace to surpass Conor McGregor's stardom
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 8, 2024
One former UFC title challenger believes Ilia Topuria is on track to run past Conor McGregor in terms of stardom. Topuria has certainly seen his stock soar thanks to his success rate inside the Octagon. It also helps that Topuria is charismatic and has become a big name in Spain. After results such as being the first fighter to knock Max Holloway out, Topuria might just see himself becoming the hottest active star in the UFC.
Diego Lopes previews future fight against UFC champion Ilia Topuria: "He's going to crash into a wall"
Josh Evanoff - November 6, 2024
UFC featherweight Diego Lopes has opened up on a future fight against Ilia Topuria. The Brazilian has been out of the cage since a clash with Brian Ortega at UFC 306 in September. That night saw Diego Lopes hand the former featherweight title challenger a dominant decision defeat. With the victory, the rising contender earned the opportunity to be the backup for Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway the following month.