Ilia Topuria vacated his featherweight title to move up to the lightweight division, with UFC CEO Dana White supporting his decision due to Topuria’s achievements and desire for new challenges, although no guarantees have been made regarding his next fight.
Ilia Topuria’s journey at featherweight? It’s over. According to UFC CEO Dana White, Topuria vacated his title and set his sights on the lightweight division. No promises on what lies ahead, though.
“He did that,” White confirmed, discussing Topuria’s decision. “He said, ‘I’ve done everything I can do here, I’m ready to move up’ and he vacated it.” Respect for not holding up anyone else’s shot.
Topuria felt he’d conquered all there was at featherweight. Look at his record—who he beat, how he beat them. The weight cut? Not a favorite anymore.
His exit paved the way for a new championship bout at UFC 314. Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes headlines the event.
While the featherweight division marches on, Topuria waits. A fight with UFC lightweight champ Islam Makhachev? Still uncertain. If it were set, we’d know by now.
“There’s still other possibilities,” White hinted about Topuria’s next steps. “A lot of shit going on right now.”
Post-announcement, Lopes claimed the UFC changed its policy to prevent champs from holding titles when switching divisions. White pushed back against that notion.
“Unless you think you can defend your title,” White stated. “If someone wants to defend both belts and has achieved greatness, I’m open to it. But you’ll be busy.”
Historically, White hasn’t always embraced champs chasing multiple titles—a trend sparked by Conor McGregor‘s dual-division success.
White isn’t against champions seeking glory but prefers they dominate a division first. Topuria? Despite one title defense, his wins over Volkanovski and Max Holloway make a strong case.
“Unless you’ve really wiped out a division,” White explained, citing Jon Jones‘ move from light heavyweight to heavyweight as an example. For Ilia? It makes sense.
“Who he’s beat and how he beat them,” White continued, “and now he’s tired of making weight and wants to move up to [155 pounds], totally makes sense.” Case-by-case is the name of the game.