Former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, already known for his striking power, anticipates an even greater level of power as he transitions to the 155-pound lightweight division.
“When I compete at 155, you`ll see that a single touch from me will be enough to knock someone out,” Topuria stated on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast. “I won’t even need to hit the chin. Just a touch to the head, and it`s over.”
“I feel incredibly powerful at this weight class, so strong and stable, especially on the ground. If opponents want to wrestle, I’m ready. And my stamina is incredible, I could go for five days, not just five rounds.”
Topuria relinquished his featherweight title to move to the competitive 155-pound division. He achieved the featherweight championship by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024. He then defended it successfully, becoming the first fighter to defeat Max Holloway by strikes at UFC 308 in October.
This move to a higher weight class presents a new challenge for Topuria. When asked about fighters competing in the wrong weight class, Topuria believes it`s a matter of individual needs and circumstances.
“It varies. Some fighters are, and some aren`t,” Topuria explained. “I think there are fighters at 145 who could compete at 135, like José Aldo, who was smaller. However, he was a long-reigning world champion and one of the best. Perhaps if he had cut weight to 135 earlier in his career, he might not have had the same energy.”
