Ilia Topuria, the reigning featherweight champion and currently ranked No. 3 on MMA Fighting’s pound-for-pound list, is eager to move up to lightweight and challenge Islam Makhachev for his title, believing this fight would establish him as the best fighter in the world.
Ilia Topuria isn’t just eyeing a bout with Islam Makhachev; he sees it as the ultimate test to prove he’s the top pound-for-pound fighter globally. Ranked No. 3 on MMA Fighting’s P4P list, Topuria, the featherweight champ, has his sights set on Makhachev, the UFC lightweight kingpin. He’s been vocal about wanting this superfight for Makhachev’s title, recently reiterating his desire in a chat with Fox Sports Australia.
“Personally, I want to move up to 155 because I know I can become a two-weight world champion,” Topuria shared. “Islam’s great; people see him as the No. 1 pound-for-pound.” But for Topuria? He believes he’s the best fighter worldwide and knows he can handle Makhachev however he pleases.
Topuria’s case as the world’s best fighter is compelling. He ended 2024 topping Fighter of the Year lists with stunning knockouts over legends like Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway at 145 pounds. Undefeated in 16 pro bouts and eight UFC appearances, his record speaks volumes.
Holloway was his first title defense, and while staying in his division is an option, Topuria hopes for a chance to snag another belt soon. “This is something I want,” Topuria said. “The UFC knows it. Ultimately, it’s their call—they know how to run things. If they want me defending at 145, maybe I’ll do that. But if they let me go to 155, I’m all in.”
If he remains at 145 pounds, challengers abound. A potential rematch with Volkanovski looms, alongside new threats like Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev. Topuria has preferences if not Makhachev or Volkanovski.
“I think Diego deserves it more,” he noted. “Movsar has eight UFC fights—all decisions—and you need to finish someone! Do something relevant. But if you don’t finish anyone… I fight for fans.”
Topuria wants excitement in the cage, not just opponents focused on winning by any means necessary. He believes he’d knock out such fighters in the first round but craves someone who’ll hype up the fight alongside him.