“Topuria has felt like he’s done all he can in that division, and he feels like he’s cemented his legacy, and his body cannot make the weight anymore.” Dana White announced in his signature style on Instagram earlier today. And just like that, Ilia Topuria is out, leaving the featherweights behind to chase new glory (or disaster) at lightweight. There’s no questioning the Spanish-Georgian’s power. His concussive knockouts over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway shook the featherweight division, and his undefeated record speaks volumes. But let’s be real, does that same power hold up when he’s standing across from guys who walk around at 185lbs and compete in the most stacked division of the promotion?
The math is simple! Can Topuria emulate the same mystic dance of violence against someone like Islam Makhachev? Well, it seems that Volkanovski’s coach, Joe Lopez, has his thoughts on how the now-former featherweight champ might fare against the Dagestani juggernaut.
“It’s a hard one, you know because Ilia has got that knockout power. You know (if) he lands one on anybody, you know it’s goodnight. And he’s got pretty good wrestling, you know, and he’s hard to take down, so it’d be an interesting matchup. Especially coming up in weight he’s going to be a lot stronger,” Lopez told Submission Radio.
Interesting, sure, but there’s a difference between “hard to take down” and Dagestan-built champ. The reigning lightweight king isn’t just a solid grappler. He’s a suffocating, technical nightmare who’s made elite fighters look helpless. ‘El Matador’ might trust his wrestling, but he’s never had it tested at this level.
MMA: UFC 298-Volkanovski vs Topuria Feb 17, 2024, Anaheim, California, USA Ilia Topuria fights against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center. Anaheim Honda Center California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xGaryxA.xVasquezx 20240217_gav_sv5_175
With the 145-pound belt now up for grabs at UFC 314, ‘The Great’ steps back into the spotlight, headlining against Diego Lopes in a bid to reclaim the title he lost to Topuria at UFC 298. For the former champ, this is more than just another fight, it’s a statement. A chance to remind everyone why he ruled for so long. The Brazilian, however, has plans of his own, riding his momentum into championship territory. With five consecutive wins, including two knockouts and a submission.
And as for Topuria? He’s stepping into the shark tank of lightweight, eyeing the Dagestani champ. But before we get ahead of ourselves, the real question remains, is Ilia heading straight into a rude awakening?
Is Ilia Topuria running from or towards greatness?
There’s a fine line between chasing history and jumping ship before the competition catches up. Topuria’s dominance at featherweight is undeniable, but was this move to 155lbs a power play, or a well-timed exit before threats like Movsar Evloev and a better-equipped and well-rested Volkanovski closed in? UFC head honcho, always the hype man, is selling this move as a career-defining step. “So Topuria will be moving up to 155lbs and will be vacating the featherweight title,” he confirmed.
Conveniently, Ariel Helwani has already hinted that an Islam vs. Ilia showdown is in the works, possibly as soon as International Fight Week in June for UFC 317. On paper, it’s a dream fight. The P4P #1 needs a fresh, marketable challenger. Ilia Topuria is young, undefeated, and carries undeniable star power. But let’s not kid ourselves, this isn’t some effortless jump.
If the Georgian thinks he can bulldoze through Islam the way he did Volkanovski, he might be in for a nasty reality check. Meanwhile, Volkanovski finds himself in a unique position. ‘Stripped’ of his title in February, he now has a chance to reclaim it against Lopes at UFC 314. But even with gold around his waist again, what’s next? Does he attempt another title run at a weight class he once ruled, or is 145lbs ready to move past him?
For Volk, this is about cementing his legacy in an evolving division. The featherweight and lightweight landscape is shifting fast. UFC 314 features fights like Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett and the promotional debut of Bellator legend Patricio Pitbull against Yair Rodriguez. The division that Volk once controlled with an iron grip is now brimming with new threats. If he wins, will he stick around and defend against them? Or will 155 come calling again?
One thing’s for sure, the featherweight division will be watching closely, waiting to see if their former king reclaims his throne or if a new era has truly begun. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
The post “He’s Going to Be a Lot Stronger” – Team Alexander Volkanovski Spells Trouble for Islam Makhachev as Ilia Topuria Vacates Title for Lightweight Move appeared first on EssentiallySports.
