Ilia Topuria has advised that he’s booked an out of left subject UFC battle.
The featherweight champion hasn’t fought since knocking out Max Holloway at UFC 308 in October.
Lately, it was introduced ‘El Matador’ will be vacating his 145lb title to pursue light-weight glory.
It’ll formally turn into vacant simply earlier than Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes square off for the belt at UFC 314 on April 12 – however Ilia Topuria most likely gained’t thoughts after seemingly reserving a battle for the ages.
- READ MORE: Unbeaten featherweight plans to ‘chase down’ Ilia Topuria after shocking lightweight move
Ilia Topuria teases huge battle
On Thursday, Topuria despatched MMA followers into frenzy with a 10-word put up on social media.
“Once we announce it, you gained’t imagine it. Prepare,” he wrote on X.
Once we announce it, you will not imagine it. Prepare.
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) March 6, 2025
Islam Makhachev is the light-weight champion and high of the checklist of opponents Topuria desires to face.
Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s protege is recent off a fast submission win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in January.
It’s at present unclear who might be his subsequent opponent as there is no such thing as a apparent primary contender at 155lbs – however Justin Gaethje or Rafael Fiziev could make a strong case after they rematch at UFC 313 on Saturday evening.
A conflict between Makhachev and Topuria will surely be huge, however not a shock to battle followers.
So, we’ll simply have to attend for UFC boss Dana White to elucidate what his Spanish star is speaking about.
What’s Dana White mentioned about Ilia Topuria’s subsequent battle to this point?
Talking after the controversial UFC Fight Night Seattle main event between Henry Cejudo and Music Yadong, White was requested whether or not Topuria had vacated the featherweight title himself, or if the UFC had stripped him.
“He did that – he mentioned, ‘I’ve executed every thing I can do right here, I’m prepared to maneuver up’ and so he vacated it,” the UFC CEO defined.
“He mentioned that he shouldn’t be holding up anyone’s alternatives and , I all the time respect it when guys try this.”
White stored his playing cards near his chest when requested a follow-up query about Topuria vs Makhachev.
He added: “There are nonetheless different potentialities, there’s loads of s— occurring proper now, in any other case I might’ve mentioned [that fight’s on].”
