Ilia Topuria is stepping up?
Topuria vs. Oliveira
Ilia Topuria is the current UFC Featherweight Champion. But, maybe not for much longer? Today, Ilia Topuria had a Spanish speaking interview with El Partidazo de Cope that streamed live on their X Account.
During the interview, Ilia dropped a couple bombshells surrounding his time as UFC Featherweight Champion. The undefeated 16-0 fighter beat Alexander Volkanovski for the title, then defended once against Max Holloway in successful fashion. Now, he tells El Partidazo de Cope that “We have seen my last featherweight fight.”
He went on to say that he wants to move up to lightweight and issued a challenge. He called out former UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira to a fight in April or May of 2025. Charles is coming off of a win against Michael Chandler at UFC 309, and could be next for a title shot depending on the winner of Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan in January for the gold.
Lastly, Ilia went on to say that he wants to move up to lightweight because he plans to retire by 30 years old, saying “I’m 27… I hope to be out by 30.” He has 3 years to make a larger legacy, and a move up and win against Charles Oliveira would be huge.
Would you be interested in that fight? It may become a possibility.
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