Topuria's Quest for UFC Greatness
Ilia Topuria, the rising star in the UFC, is setting his sights on an ambitious goal: becoming a two-division champion before he turns 30. Currently holding the featherweight title, Topuria is gearing up for a pivotal lightweight title fight against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 on June 28. A victory here would mark him as one of the elite few to hold belts in two weight classes simultaneously, a feat that would solidify his place in UFC history.
Topuria's confidence is palpable as he heads into this weekend's bout. He has expressed a clear vision for his future, outlining a three-year plan that not only includes defending his titles but also taking on some of the biggest names in the sport. As reported by ESPN, Topuria stated, 'If I become a two-division champion this weekend, I have a three-year plan that involves settling a score and another belt.'
Mapping Out the Next Fights
Beyond the immediate challenge of Oliveira, Topuria has named specific fighters he aims to face in the coming years. One of them is Paddy Pimblett, a popular British fighter whom Topuria believes is just one win away from a title shot. 'Hopefully he gets one more fight, he wins it, and we can finally be in the same octagon,' Topuria said in a statement shared by the UFC. He even offered advice to Pimblett on securing a quicker path to a title fight by facing Justin Gaethje rather than Arman Tsarukyan.
Another target on Topuria's list is Islam Makhachev, the current lightweight champion who is expected to fight in early 2025. Topuria's plan includes a potential showdown with Makhachev as part of his long-term strategy to dominate the division. This matchup, if it materializes, could be a defining moment in his career, pitting him against one of the most formidable fighters in the UFC today.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges, as each of these fighters brings unique skills to the octagon. Oliveira's submission expertise, Pimblett's charisma and striking, and Makhachev's wrestling dominance are all hurdles Topuria must overcome. Yet, his determination and strategic planning suggest he is ready to tackle these obstacles head-on.
A Legacy in the Making
Topuria's journey is not just about collecting belts; it's about creating a legacy. At only 28 years old, he has already achieved significant milestones by defeating featherweight legends like Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. His potential move to lightweight full-time indicates a desire to test himself against the best across multiple divisions.
If successful at UFC 317, Topuria would join an exclusive club of fighters like Conor McGregor and Daniel Cormier who have held titles in two divisions. However, skepticism exists among peers, with Pimblett questioning whether Topuria has the star power to leap directly into a fight with Makhachev. 'He's not that big of a star. He's not McGregor to just jump right up and fight for the other belt,' Pimblett remarked on the Blood Red Podcast.
As the UFC landscape continues to evolve, Topuria's bold predictions and calculated approach keep fans on the edge of their seats. Whether he can achieve everything on his to-do list by 30 remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Ilia Topuria is a fighter to watch in the coming years.