Ilia Topuria provides big update on potential UFC lightweight title shot
UFC star Ilia Topuria has claimed that the promotion promised him a lightweight title shot if he made the move up to 155 pounds.
As we all know, Ilia Topuria is one of the fastest rising stars in all of mixed martial arts. He has been on a rocket ship to the moon ever since arriving in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and the expectation is that things are only going to get better. Now, after conquering the featherweight division, he is surrendering his belt in order to pursue a move up to lightweight.
The expectation is that we will see Ilia Topuria challenge for the UFC lightweight championship sooner rather than later. Of course, given how many contenders are currently lining up in the division, some have wondered whether or not he needs to win a fight first – with Charles Oliveira being seen as one of the standout fighters that could take him on.
In a recent interview, Ilia Topuria revealed something pretty interesting about his previous conversations with the company about this latest venture.
Ilia Topuria reveals UFC promised lightweight title shot
“The UFC promised me I’d fight for the belt,” Topuria told reporters (H/T: Irato Prat) following Saturday’s WOW 17 event in Madrid, Spain. “That’s why I vacated it. And they’ve always kept their promise.”
Quotes via MMA Junkie
Obviously, there’s no guarantee that this is accurate information coming from Ilia Topuria right now. What we do know, however, is that he is willing to take on just about any challenge that comes his way.
If the UFC wants him to face Charles Oliveira, he’ll do it. If they want him to go straight into a world championship fight against Islam Makhachev, he’ll be more than happy to make it happen. Regardless of how this plays out, it’s going to be pretty entertaining to watch.
