In a stunning development, Ilia Topuria has relinquished his UFC featherweight title and is set to make the jump to the lightweight division, UFC president Dana White has confirmed.
Topuria, who secured a knockout victory over Max Holloway at UFC 308 last October, will now compete at 155 pounds.
His decision paves the way for a high-stakes showdown between Alex Volkanovski and Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight belt at UFC 314 in April.
As a result, the division will crown a new champion when the UFC returns to Miami’s Kaseya Center, while details of Topuria’s next fight are expected to be revealed soon.
White addressed the unexpected move in a late-night social media announcement, explaining the rationale behind the decision.
‘Topuria felt like he’s done all that he can in that division and he feels like he cemented his legacy and his body cannot make the weight anymore.
‘So Topuria will be moving up to 155lb, and will be vacating the featherweight title.
‘The way that this works is as soon as the first punch was thrown in this fight, the title will be vacant and we’ll announce what Topuria’s next fight will be when it’s done.’
‘As crazy as it sounds, I hope Ilia goes up to [155lb]. I really do,’ Joe Rogan said earlier this month. ‘Volkanovski vs Lopes [at] 145, Ilia goes up to ’55. I don’t care if he only defended the title one time or didn’t, who cares? Let’s go. Let’s f***ing go.
‘It’d be nice [to see him fight some of the other contenders at featherweight] but also who cares? Let’s go. Let’s f***ing go.’
Topuria has set his sights on a thrilling showdown with Islam Makhachev and hasn’t shied away from expressing his desire for the fight, having publicly called him out last month.
‘Islam, if I want to, I can finish you. If I want to, I can knock you out,’ Topuria said on social media. ‘I’ll make it look easy. See you soon [winks].’
Volkanovski is set to step back into the octagon for the first time in over a year, having last competed at UFC 298 in February 2024, where he lost his title to Topuria.
‘The Great’ surrendered the title after five successful defences, including two impressive victories over Max Holloway.
