Ilia Topuria has big plans for his future, and he is not limiting himself to traditional UFC divisions. While his number one priority is to face Islam Makhachev, the reigning welterweight and former lightweight champion, Topuria is open to other high-profile options if that fight cannot be made.
Speaking to Álvaro Colmenero, Topuria made it clear that Makhachev is his preferred opponent, ideally at welterweight in pursuit of a third world title in a third weight class. However, if the UFC refuses to let him move up, he has another name on his mind: Paddy Pimblett.
“I have Paddy on my mind. I’d like to fight Paddy if they don’t let me move up to welterweight to fight Islam. Because the fight I would really like is against Islam in the third weight class,” Topuria said. “Maybe I’ll have one more fight, then in summer maybe there’s a date when they’ll let me move up to welterweight, and I’ll fight for the third belt.”
Topuria’s ambitions go beyond traditional divisions. If a standard welterweight title shot is not possible, he floated an innovative idea: a new championship.
“Maybe they’ll create a new belt called the pound-for-pound title at a catchweight,” Topuria suggested. “So I’ll fight for that pound-for-pound belt. Let’s see. There’s plenty of options.”
Topuria’s recent run is one of the greatest in UFC history. He knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to capture the featherweight title at UFC 298, then made history by becoming the first man to finish Max Holloway via strikes at UFC 308. After vacating the 145-pound belt, he knocked out Charles Oliveira to become the lightweight champion.
Now holding two world titles from two divisions, Topuria is chasing legacy-defining history, possibly through a third belt, a superfight with Makhachev, or a grudge match with Pimblett.
Whether it is for a weight-class title or a proposed pound-for-pound championship, “El Matador” is hunting greatness — and he is bringing big ideas with him.
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