Few fighters in the history of the sport have ever had such an illustrious year as Ilia Topuria had in 2024.
“El Matador” (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) put an end to Alexander Volkanovski’s reign at the top of the UFC featherweight division when he knocked the Australian out at UFC 298 last February, before going on to also finish the division’s previous kingpin Max Holloway at UFC 308 in October.
Taking out 2 of the sport’s all-time greats won Topuria many plaudits, and although rumors are circulating surrounding a possible rematch against Volkanovski in the near future, the Georgian-born champion seems to have his eyes firmly set on some high-profile fights at 155 lbs.
“I really believe that I can beat the current champion, Islam (Makhachev)”, Topuria stated during an appearance on the Full Send Podcast this week. “I like to fight with people that the fans think that it's going to be very competitive. So, with Islam, I'm going to have that. The Islam fight would be a f***ing super fight. That's a great fight. That's why I want to do it”.
"I Will Connect That Punch"
UFC president Dana White has been non-committal when asked about any potential superfight between the featherweight and lightweight champions, but Topuria insists the fight is in the process of being made.
“It's in the works, yeah, it's in the works”, claims the 28-year-old. “They are trying to figure out some things. He's going to have a hard time with me. And something he knows and we all know is that the only thing I need, it's one punch. At some point, I will connect that punch. And everything will depend on what God will decide. If he wants to send Islam to sleep or not, who knows that? I know that”.
Featherweight Champion Lists Potential Opponents At 155 lbs
Topuria has also been eyeing potential fights against some of the more established names at 155 lbs.
“Just imagine a fight between me and…I love that dog, Dustin Poirier! He's a fucking fighter, you know what I mean? You know that he goes in and he fights till he dies. You're going to have that guy in front of you fighting and try to take your head off. That's a very exciting fight for me and I think for the fans also. Islam is a great fight. Charles (Oliveira) is a great fight. Justin Gaethje is a great fight. I can mention you so many great fights that I could have in the lightweight division”.
