ARTICLE AD BOX
There is a lot of anticipation surrounding a possible matchup between UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. At the beginning, it seemed that Topurija would have a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski, while speculation regarding Makhachev was unclear. However, recent rumors suggest that we could see a clash between these two stars.
The match is planned for the beginning of the summer, although it has not yet been officially confirmed. If this meeting takes place, Volkanovski could decide the fight against Diego Lopes for the interim UFC featherweight title. This great fighter made it clear that his focus is on Makhachev.
Ilia Topuria: "Makhachev is on top, but I know I can win"
"I personally want to move to the lightweight category because I know that I can become a champion in two weight categories. Islam is a great fighter and number one in the P4P ranking, but if you ask me, I am the best fighter in the world and I know that I can do what I want with him. I think that I am a better fighter than him," Ilia Topuria told Fox Sports Australia.
He pointed out that the UFC has a key role in decisions regarding his career. Although he would like to move to lightweight, he is also ready to defend his featherweight belt if the organization decides to do so.
"The UFC knows that and they will make the final decision. If they tell me to fight in the featherweight division, I will do it. If they allow me to move to the lightweight division, I will do it," concluded Topuria .
If the circumstances change, Topuria could fight some other challengers in the featherweight division instead of Makhachev or Volkanovski. Two names that jump out are Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev. Topuria made it clear that he would fight only with someone who creates 'hype' around the fight, and who can arouse the interest of the audience.
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