Ilia Topuria continues to be campaigning for a transfer as much as light-weight.
Since knocking out Max Holloway at UFC 308, Topuria has constantly made the case for a light-weight title shot or, barring that, a special high opponent at 155 kilos. Contemplating Topuria solely has one title protection to his identify and there are a bevy of contenders ready for his or her likelihood on the featherweight belt, it appears a bit fast for “El Matador” to leap up, however that actually isn’t stopping him from making an attempt.
“I actually consider I can beat the present champion, Islam,” Topuria advised the Full Ship podcast. “I actually assume that. He’s an important champion. You’ll be able to’t be a world champion by likelihood; you must do issues nice. However I just like the competitors, and I don’t wish to be a bully and combat with folks that I do know one hundred pc that I’m going to whoop his ass. I wish to combat with folks that the followers assume that it’s going to be very aggressive. That sort of expectation, I wish to create. With Islam, I’m going to have that.
“Doing the rematch with individuals I’ve already fought, I don’t assume that I’m going to have the identical sort of expectations from the followers.”
Whereas nothing is official but, rumors have circled {that a} rematch with former champion Alexander Volkanovski is what the UFC needs subsequent for Topuria. And regardless of what he mentioned, Topuria can also be conscious that he can’t underestimate Volkanovski regardless of his win within the first combat, saying he “can’t joke with that man.” Nonetheless, Topuria nonetheless can’t get his thoughts off the chances at light-weight.
“There are such a lot of thrilling fights within the light-weight division for me,” Topuria mentioned. “Arman [Tsarukyan] must construct himself a little bit extra however at this level, simply think about a combat between me and — I like that canine, Dustin Poirier. He’s a f*cking fighter. You understand that he goes in and he fights. Till he dies, you realize you’re going to have that man in entrance of you preventing and making an attempt to take your head off. That’s a really thrilling combat for me and I believe for the followers additionally. Islam is a good combat, Charles is a good combat, Justin Gaethje is a good combat. I can point out you so many nice fights that I might have within the light-weight division.”
And, after all, the combat he needs most is a pound-for-pound matchup with Islam Makhachev.
“I’ve so many issues in opposition to Islam that he’s going to have a tough time in opposition to me,” Topuria mentioned. “He is aware of and everyone knows that the one factor I would like is one punch. And you realize for certain I’m going to attach that one punch as a result of I don’t throw my punches like loopy. I’m ready for my second and I apply a number of method behind that punch. … Everyone knows that sooner or later I’ll join that punch and the whole lot will rely on what God will determine. If he needs to ship Islam to sleep or not, who is aware of that?”
Crossover. Oleksandr Usyk vs. Alex Pereira? At this level, why not?
Dimension. Paddy Pimblett is glad to indicate rival Ilia Topuria that measurement issues if the UFC featherweight champion needs a problem at 155 kilos.
Gone. Paul Hughes criticizes Conor McGregor, however acknowledges it’s not the Conor McGregor we as soon as knew.
Busy. Movsar Evloev needs to maintain marching ahead in 2025 with a title shot in attain.
Betrayal. Jason Jackson doesn’t perceive why anybody thought it was a good suggestion to launch footage of Kevin Lee’s sparring dust-up.
Feud. Quinton Jackson won’t be glad with a confrontation with Anthony Smith.
Between the Hyperlinks with Jed Meshew and Brian Campbell.
Damon Martin talks to PFL stars Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes.
UFC 312 Combat Movement.
No Bets Barred. Jed Meshew tells you the place to place your cash on a low-key UFC Vegas 102 lineup.
Huge 12 months deliberate.
By December I’ll have knocked KSi, Jake Paul & Tommy Fury out & we’ll all be achieved with the circus.
You’re all welcome!— DT (@darrentill2) February 13, 2025
Again quickly, Blessed.
Rattling, two years in the past now?
Make it so.
Hey brother @seanshelby might third UFC is at dwelling in Desmoine Iowa. I might love nothing extra then to combat at dwelling, I stepped up on 5 days discover in Utahs elevation and stepped up on 3 days to assist in Colorados elevation. Plus the entire state needs to see it, assist a brother out pic.twitter.com/IynS1rDkBP
— Darrius Flowers (@BeastmodeUFC) February 13, 2025
Poirier is aware of.
Arnold Allen is aware of advertising.
Alonzo Menifield (15-5-1) vs. Julius Walker (6-0); UFC Seattle, Feb. 22
Nursulton Ruziboev (34-9-2) vs. Eric McConico (9-2-1); UFC Seattle, Feb. 22
Adrian Lee (2-0) vs. Shozo Isojima (5-0); ONE 172, March 23
Josh Emmett (19-4) vs. Lerone Murphy (15-0-1); UFC Vegas 105, April 5
Julian Erosa (30-11) vs. Darren Elkins (29-11); UFC 314, April 12
Topuria dismissing Arman actually offers the sport away. “Sure, I wish to combat both the champion or any one among these outdated fighters who’re previous their primes and have a giant identify. I don’t need to combat the No. 1 contender who’s younger and good.”
Like, come on, man! If each champion can simply say, “No, I don’t must combat the deserving contenders as a result of I do know I’ll win in order that’s pointless” then what the heck are we even doing right here?
These items was horrible when Jon Jones was doing it to combat Stipe however at the very least Jon has a great case for being the GOAT. Topuria has one title protection! Please, make this insanity cease.
Oh, and Blissful Valentine’s Day!
Ballot
Does Topuria combat at 155 this 12 months?
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