MMA news: Ilia Topuria announces move to lightweight division in 2025

UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria took the sport by storm in 2024 by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski to win the title before defending it against Max Holloway.

These two victories over two of the top three featherweights of all time have catapulted Ilia Topuria into the fighter of the year conversations - and the upper echelons of the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, and deservedly so, says Sports News Blitz’s Niall Togher.

On the move

Topuria has stated his desire to move up to lightweight in pursuit of a second world title after losing the motivation to defend the featherweight belt.

In a recent interview with El Partidazo de Cope, Topuria said: “I’m 27. I hope to be out by 30…

“Right now, in my division, I no longer have the motivation to defend the belt anymore. Now I want to move up a category and we’ll see how everything goes.”

Return date in mind

With the UFC lightweight title set to be on the line at UFC 311 in January with Islam Makhachev taking on Arman Tsarukyan, Topuria has stated that he wants to return in April or May.

He will even be willing to fight in a number one contender fight if the winner from the main event of UFC 311 is unable to fight in April or May.

“Since Islam is going to fight in January and he is not going to be ready for April/May, I would like to fight the #1 contender which is Charles Oliveira.” Topuria said.

Topuria has not been shy when it comes to stating his desire to move up to 155 pounds. 

Still, with Movsar Evloev picking up a big win over Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310 to extend his record to 19-0 and Alexander Volkanovski being promised a rematch against Topuria by the UFC, Topuria may have a few more assignments to deal with at featherweight before he eventually moves up.

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