Ilia Topuria recently raised some eyebrows among MMA fans and experts after expressing interest in moving up to lightweight. The Spaniard defended his featherweight title against Max Holloway at UFC 308, handing the Hawaiian his first defeat by knockout.
‘El Matador’ was then expected to face Alexander Volkanovski in a rematch of their UFC 298 fight, where Topuria won the title after knocking out ‘The Great’ in the second round.
Topuria and Volkanovski even shared a showdown in the octagon at UFC 308. But in the weeks following the event, it appears the 27-year-old has had a change of heart.
His coach, Jorge Climent, was recently interviewed in Presentation radio after the comments made by his fighter. Climent confirmed the featherweight champion’s path forward, saying:
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“The reality is that he hates that weight. [cut]. He did it many times. It’s harder every time we do it. touched the [underworld]He doesn’t want to do it anymore. That’s why he wants to move up to the next weight class.” [0:35-1:02]
He also spoke about the rumored rematch with Volkanovski:
“I don’t think he’s going to defend the featherweight title. I think he wants to go to lightweight… He wants to fight guys ranked to go for the belt… If Alex fights at featherweight, I won’t do it.” I don’t think so [we will fight him again]”. [3:55-4:27]
See Jorge Climent’s comments about Ilia Topuria below:
Ilia Topuria shares possible retirement schedule
Ilia Topuria appears to be gunning for a second UFC world title following his recent comments about his interest in moving up to lightweight to face Charles Oliveira.
The Spaniard is one of the highest-rated talents in MMA right now, and at only 27 years old there is an expectation that he can finish his career with multiple promotional records.
But the featherweight champion recently shared a potential timeline for his retirement from MMA, which may surprise fans.
During an interview with the Spanish news station The COPE Party, He spoke of his eventual retirement from the sport. Topuria’s comments were reposted on X by @ChampRDS, who wrote the translated comments as:
“YOI am 27 years old. I hope to be out by 30… Right now, in my division I no longer have the motivation to defend my belt. “Now I want to move up a category and we’ll see how everything goes.”
Check out Ilia Topuria’s comments below:
Edited by Harvey Leonard.