Ilia Topuria is making changes ahead of his bid to win a second divisional UFC title.
Confirmation received indicates the former featherweight champion has separated from long-time coaches Jorge and Augustin Climent prior to his vacant lightweight title bout against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 on June 28.
It`s emphasized that the separation is amicable, driven purely by logistical challenges such as conflicting schedules and differing locations, with absolutely no animosity involved, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Topuria recently vacated the featherweight title, citing increasing difficulty with the weight cut. He had hoped for a significant clash with Islam Makhachev for the lightweight belt, but Makhachev is instead moving up to welterweight to challenge Jack Della Maddalena later this year.
With Makhachev vacating the lightweight championship, Topuria and Oliveira will headline the UFC`s annual International Fight Week pay-per-view event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Wesley Dunham