Fresh off winning the vacant lightweight title with a stunning first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira, Ilia Topuria shared that despite his long-term goal of becoming a three-division champion, the UFC specifically requested he not announce an immediate move to the welterweight division (170 lbs).
He recounted their request:
“Don’t tell us after the fight that you want to move to the welterweight division. Make us a promise.”
Topuria added with a wink, “I was like ‘promise.’ I was [crossing my fingers].”
Topuria stated he will focus on defending his lightweight belt for now, though he admitted a future move to welterweight is still a possibility that “could happen” one day.
Looking at future opponents, Topuria singled out Paddy Pimblett as the fight he desires most. He explained that, unlike his fight with Oliveira where he felt respect, a bout with Pimblett would be different.
Topuria expressed a strong desire to face Pimblett, stating,
“That’s the guy that I will really enjoy to punch him in the face… Really, really will enjoy that fight. I know I can do with him whatever I want to do.”
When asked about potentially fighting Justin Gaethje, Topuria dismissed the idea, suggesting the person asking simply didn`t like Gaethje:
“The only thing I realize is that you don’t like the guy,” he remarked, adding, “Because I don’t know why you want to put him against me.”
Marcus Blakely