Ilia Topuria had an incredible night at UFC 308 as he successfully defended his featherweight title for the first time. Topuria knocked out Max Holloway in the third round and solidified his status in the new generation of champions. Looking ahead, Topuria intends to move up in weight class, but Dana White appears hesitant about this plan.
Ahead of the fight, Ilia Topuria shared his ultimate goal: to move up, win the lightweight title, and aim for the welterweight championship. The Spanish fighter promised that he would gain size in the next three years and achieve his goals. While something like this is definitely ambitious, White believes that Topuria has unfinished business in the featherweight division.
I like when a guy absolutely wipes out a division… Then you start looking at what’s next.
Dana White via UFC 308 post-fight presser
Dana White was highly impressed by Topuria’s knockout power, especially for a featherweight of his size. He commended Topuria for knocking out legends like Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway in consecutive fights. White also hinted that Volkanovski could be next in line to challenge the Georgian-Spaniard for the title.
⚡️👀 Dana White reacts to Ilia Topuria aiming to be the UFC’s first 3-division champion:
‘I like when a guy absolutely wipes out a division… Then you start looking at what’s next.’
🎥 @ufc ▫️ pic.twitter.com/gkxPLOg7e2
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 26, 2024
Throughout UFC history, several fighters have won championship belts in two divisions. Notable names include Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, etc, who held two belts simultaneously. However, no fighter has ever achieved this feat across three divisions. One can definitely see that Topuria possesses the skill set and opportunity to become the first to do so.
Ilia Topuria issues a bold challenge to the UFC lightweight champion
Ilia Topuria has consistently delivered on his promises. Many doubted him before his fight against Alexander Volkanovski, but he secured a TKO victory. At UFC 308, he made history by being the first fighter to knock out the legendary Max Holloway. His striking skills and supreme confidence have established him as one of the best on the roster.
‘El Matador’ wants his name to be written in gold in the history of UFC. To do that, the Georgian-Spanish fighter wants to move up and fight Islam Makhachev. In a recent interview, he mentioned that he would do the unbelievable and beat the Dagestani in his own style.
I always looking to achieve that no-one could. Nobody could submit him. I will be the first one to do it
Ilia Topuria via UFC 308 post-fight presser
😳Ilia Topuria promises to be the first man to submit Islam Makhachev.
“I always looking to achieve that no-one could. Nobody could submit him. I will be the first one to do it.”🥶
🎥 @ufc ▫️ pic.twitter.com/RG5LXXgiqy
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 26, 2024
Both Makhachev and Topuria are well-rounded fighters, promising an incredible MMA contest. Much like the anticipated matchup between Alex Pereira and Jon Jones, this fight represents one of the biggest events fans could hope for. However, it appears that Topuria may need to defend his title a few more times before that showdown occurs.
