Ilia Topuria harbors ambitions of eventually becoming a three-division UFC champion, but he may have to postpone that particular goal for the time being.
Following his decisive first-round knockout victory over Charles Oliveira, which secured him the vacant lightweight title, Topuria revealed that the UFC specifically requested he avoid immediately declaring his intention to move up to the 170-pound division. Despite having hinted at this possibility numerous times before UFC 317, even expressing hope of eventually facing former champion Islam Makhachev, Topuria stated that promotion officials had already attempted to dissuade him from the idea.
Recounting the conversation on About Last Fight, Topuria said, “I thought about [moving up]… But the last conversation I had with the UFC, they personally asked me for a favor: ‘Don’t tell us after the fight that you want to move to the welterweight division. Make us a promise.’ I replied, ‘Promise.’ [He gestured crossing fingers]. ‘I promise.’”
While a third title remains a long-term objective, Topuria confirmed his immediate focus will remain on the lightweight division, where he now holds the belt. Nevertheless, he conceded that a move to welterweight “could happen” at some point in the future.
Topuria has a lineup of potential contenders awaiting him, but perhaps none generate as much buzz as a potential showdown with Paddy Pimblett. Pimblett even entered the octagon for a faceoff immediately after Topuria`s win over Oliveira.
Topuria confessed that facing Pimblett is unequivocally the fight he desires most, especially considering he found it difficult to summon negative emotions towards Oliveira, for whom he possesses significant respect and admiration.
Regarding Pimblett, Topuria declared, “That’s the guy that I will really enjoy to punch him in the face… Really, really will enjoy that fight. I know I can do with him whatever I to do. Tell me, kid, what you want me to do with you. I’m going to do whatever I want to do. I don’t want to use my words.”
He also appeared dismissive of a potential bout against Justin Gaethje when his name was mentioned as a possible opponent for Topuria`s first title defense.
In response to the suggestion of fighting Gaethje, Topuria commented, “The only thing I realize is that you don’t like the guy… Because I don’t know why you want to put him against me.”
