Ilia Topuria is a former featherweight champion (Photo / Reproduction Instagram UFC)
Fans are so excited about Ilia Topuria? The Spaniard, who abandoned the featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg), impressed the MMA world by winning the lightweight title (up to 70,2 kg) with a victory over Charles of the Bronx in the main fight of UFC 317. Undefeated with 17 wins, the youngest two-time champion in UFC history is already aiming for a new feat: moving up a category once again and fighting for the welterweight belt (up to 77 kg). The ambition, however, was seen as hasty by Belal Muhammad |, who classified the attempt as a step too far for the 170 cm champion's legs.
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In a video published on his YouTube channel, Belal Muhammad | downplayed Topuria's chances of success in the top division, highlighting the physical difference between lightweights and welterweights. Confident, the Palestinian made himself available to receive the Spaniard and challenge him in a possible confrontation.
“At 77 pounds, size definitely matters. From 70 to 77 pounds is a big difference. I’ll welcome Topuria if he wants to move up to welterweight. Come on, let’s go,” he said. Belal Muhammad |.
Ilia Topuria eyes superfight with Islam Makhachev and considers jump to welterweight
The idea of Ilia Topuria moving up to welterweight came about after the fighter himself considered pursuing Makhachev, who was previously the lightweight champion and, just as the Spaniard now plans, gave up his belt to try to win a second title.
Currently, the UFC welterweight belt is held by Jack Della Maddalena, who won the title by beating Belal Muhammad | No. UFC 315. Facing strong competition in the race for the top of the division, Islam makhachev emerges as the next challenger.
Ilia Topuria has a line of challengers before thinking about changing categories
Before thinking about moving up a category, Ilia Topuria still has a long line of commitments in the lightweight division. The Spaniard had a face-off with Paddy Pimblett still in the octagon UFC 317, indicating that the Briton could be his next challenger.
In addition to Pimblett, Arman Tsarukyan, who was the official reserve for the main fight of the UFC 317, and Justin gaethje, a former two-time title challenger, are also awaiting their title shot. Running as an outsider, the Brazilian hope, Mauricio Ruffy, dreams of facing the champion and promises that, when that day comes, he will put Ilia Topuria to sleep.
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