Ilia Topuria aims to become a three-division world champion by age 30, starting with his UFC featherweight title defense against Max Holloway at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi.
Ilia Topuria has some big plans after UFC 308. This Saturday, he’s set to defend his UFC featherweight title against Max Holloway in Abu Dhabi. It’s not just any fight—it’s one of the most anticipated matchups of the year. For “El Matador,” it’s more than just a title defense; it’s a step toward achieving immortality.
In a chat with UFC on TNT Sports, Topuria shared his ambitious vision for the future. By the time he hits 30, he aims to be a three-division world champion. That’s right, three!
“Probably a three-weight world champion, this is my goal,” Topuria stated confidently. He added, “You’re not going to see me in the welterweight division like this, skinny. You’re going to see me different.” First lightweight, then welterweight—that’s the plan.
So far, nine fighters have held titles in two UFC weight classes. Only five have done so simultaneously. No one’s ever challenged for a title in three divisions. Yet, Alex Pereira recently hinted at possibly moving up to heavyweight for such a feat.
But before all that, Topuria must focus on Holloway—a fighter who’s only lost to Alexander Volkanovski at featherweight over the past decade. Holloway poses a formidable challenge to Topuria’s reign.
Topuria has thrown down his own gauntlet: he wants Holloway to meet him in the middle of the octagon when they clash. “If he stays in the middle the first 10 seconds of the fight, they’re going to see the most exciting 10 seconds in UFC history,” Topuria promised. Fireworks? Oh yeah.
UFC 308 unfolds at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi this Saturday. Get ready for an electrifying night!