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UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has delivered a firm message to the division amidst swirling rumors about his future. Earlier this week, speculation arose about Topuria vacating his featherweight title to transition to the lightweight division. The prospect led top contender Diego Lopes to suggest a showdown with former champion Alexander Volkanovski for the vacant title. However, Topuria has quickly shut down such talk.
On Thursday, the man known as “El Matador” issued a bold statement, asserting his commitment to the featherweight division and clarifying that a move to lightweight is not imminent.
“I will not leave the title vacant,” Topuria declared. “The decision to move up to the next category is entirely mine. I haven’t had any conversations with the UFC yet, so everything is still to be decided. Stop celebrating because I’m not going anywhere. I have conquered my division and I will do the same in the next one.”
Topuria’s dominance in the featherweight division has been nothing short of extraordinary. After an emphatic knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski to capture the title, he successfully defended it with another knockout against Max Holloway. These performances have positioned him as the front-runner for 2024’s Fighter of the Year and cemented his status as a formidable champion.
While a rematch with Volkanovski seemed like the next logical step, Topuria’s recent comments have thrown those plans into uncertainty. His refusal to vacate the title suggests he is not done solidifying his legacy at 145 pounds. Fans and contenders alike now await further clarity on his next move.
For now, Topuria remains the king of the featherweights, sending a clear warning to his rivals: he is not stepping aside anytime soon. Whether he stays to dominate or eventually moves up to lightweight, “El Matador” is poised to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
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