UFC Champion Ilia Topuria Eyes Move to Lightweight Division

Featherweight titleholder Ilia Topuria plans to transition to lightweight, citing weight-cut struggles and a desire for new challenges.

Ilia Topuria, current UFC featherweight champion, has announced plans to move permanently to the lightweight division due to the physical toll of extreme weight cuts.
Topuria walks around at approximately 187 pounds, making it increasingly difficult to cut down to the 145-pound featherweight limit for fights.
The Spanish-Georgian fighter has expressed interest in facing Charles Oliveira or Dustin Poirier in his lightweight debut, with Oliveira being his preferred opponent.
Topuria’s coach believes he is prepared to fight anyone in the lightweight division and has hinted at a potential May 2025 fight, depending on UFC decisions.
UFC President Dana White has yet to comment on whether Topuria will be allowed to hold both the featherweight title and pursue lightweight fights, raising questions about division management.