Dana White sends message to Topuria and ignores possible challenge to Makhachev in UFC

Dana White at the UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube

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Ilia Topuria has yet to step into the octagon to defend his featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg) against Max Holloway No. UFC 308 this Saturday, but the Georgian is already looking to higher horizons. In an interview at the 'media day', the fighter showed interest in moving up a division and challenging the lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), Islam makhachev, in a super fight. The idea, however, does not please Dana White at all.

Speaking to TMZ Sports, Dana White was blunt in saying that, before thinking about moving up, Topuria should focus solely on the big challenges that are coming up in the division. The Spaniard is only going into his first title defense.

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“This is Ilia’s (Topuria) first title defense. There are many challenges for him in the featherweight division,” said the ‘boss’.

A déjà vu in the UFC?

The situation is reminiscent of what happened to Alexander Volkanovsky. The Australian, after reigning supreme in the featherweight division, decided to test his limits in the lightweight division and challenged Makhachev on two occasions.

Despite the competitive fights, the Russian emerged victorious in both. Volkanovski then returned to featherweight and ended up being knocked out by Topuria.