Ilia Topuria’s manager has been shedding some light on the featherweight champion's transition to the lightweight division.
Following a legendary run in 2024 in which he secured back-to-back knockout victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) made the decision to vacate his UFC featherweight title and move up to the 155-pound division.
Despite the possibility of a rematch with Volkanovski and the presence of top contenders like Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev waiting for their chance at a featherweight title shot, many questioned Topuria’s decision. His manager, Malki Kawa, explained that the difficulty of the weight cut played a major role in the move.
"The reality is, the weight cut is really tough on him," Kawa shared during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. "When you've been in this sport as long as we have, you start to realize certain things. For fighters aiming to maintain longevity, especially at the highest levels, you’re talking about facing the best in the world—Volkanovski, Charles Oliveira, Islam Makhachev, Max Holloway.
"Cutting so much weight, especially at this elite level, is not just draining—it can shorten a fighter's career. Ilia is thinking about his future. He's dealing with nearly a 50-pound cut every time, and that’s simply too much. It’s time for him to move up to 155. I'm confident that Islam will accept the challenge. We’re ready to fight for that belt, but ultimately, it’s not up to us; it’s on the UFC and the other fighters.”
It has been speculated that UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, however, is not particularly keen on facing another former featherweight, especially after defending his title twice against ex-featherweight champion Volkanovski.
Other high-profile options available as possible oppoents for "El Matador" include former champions Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira.
