Topuria reflects on the difficulty of being a featherweight and highlights relief after the change: 'health at risk'

Ilia Topuria is a former UFC featherweight champion. (Photo: Instagram/iliatopuria)

Even without being present in the shelf of taller athletes in the featherweight division (up to 65,7 kg), Ilia Topuria impresses with the physical strength he displays during fights. Despite his undefeated career and great performances in the category he reigned over, the fighter recently gave up the belt to move to lightweight (up to 70,3 kg).

Close to making his second appearance in the lightweight division, the Spanish-Georgian is generating curiosity among his fans about how he will perform against the taller and more experienced Charles of the Bronx No. UFC 317, in a fight that takes place this Saturday (28) for the linear belt of the category.

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Ilia Topuria presents itself in UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

In a sincere stance, the fighter dismissed any chance that the change would have been made except for the great risk he was running by cutting weight to reach 66kg. According to the prospect, his health had already been affected and the decision was made after talking to his family.

“I made this decision because it was very difficult for me to keep cutting weight. My health was in danger, to be honest. I was putting my health at risk with every weight cut. I had to cut a lot of weight. So I made this decision with my family and decided to move up to the next weight class, where I have full confidence that I will also become a world champion,” Topuria said in an interview with UFC.

Charles of the Bronx faces Ilia Topuria No. UFC 317. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

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Confident in his next performance, Topuria promises to violently knock out Do Bronx. The fight will be valid for the linear lightweight belt and will take place at the T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas (USA), this Saturday (28).