The rookie report of whether or not Ilia Topuria finds success at 155-pound limits remains up in the air. Topuria has had much success at featherweight and surprised all and sundry.
He even knocked out top names and a former men's pound-for-pound topper, Alexander Volkanovski. Given all that, his surprise shift to lightweight at UFC 314 did not sit well with many. Now, there's some insight into it.
As soon as the first jab is official for the UFC 314 PPV main event, April 12 at Kaseya Center from Miami. Topuria would have vacated his belt. Alexander Volkanovski, who 'El Matador' defeated to win the belt, will fight for the vacant strap. Ilia Topuria has made no secret about his wishes to move up to lightweight. Club Climent camp (Spain) explained that it was suitable for him to hydrate near the 155 mark. Now, there's a new tidbit as to how much it hindered him.
Per new reports, the Spaniard had a super rigorous shift down to cut and face Alexander Volkanovski at the UFC 298 PPV in Anaheim. Even recently, Jorge Masvidal's account about his bone density and Topuria knocking peers out in camp went viral again. Per 'Gamebred', the fighter hydrates at 190 (walk-around limit is roughly 187 lbs) outside camp. That accounts for almost 40 pounds in cut down; no wonder his empathetic KOs need so much build-up!
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Now that he has decided to vacate his 145-pound title for a shift up, things could be better. Lightweight peers have already warned him about what's to come. But clinically, it's the better one to opt for. Even the best equipment and setups do not make for a smooth cut. It could be a tough road ahead for the lightweight entrant.
Chael Sonnen says Ilia Topuria must overcome one of two lightweight names for a title crack
The combat community and fan clique would sure like to see Ilia Topuria throw down with Islam Makhachev. Even long before UFC 314, Topuria has long awaited this clash and even initiated banters for it. Makhachev can outbox and work in pockets; Topuria is the best crisp boxer right now. Makhachev owes his fame to Sambo; Club Climent says Topuria's grappling and ground skills are even more untested. This is a proper skill-to-skill test and super fight to make.
Ilia Topuria will vacate at UFC 314 and move on to face new names (Source: X)
While he is chasing down a title opportunity, the Dagestani refuses to give Ilia Topuria a chance to contend for his gold. It'd mean giving a former/current featherweight a chance for the nth time in a row after Alexander Volkanovski. MMA's 'Bad Guy' and bold first-thinker Chael Sonnen prescribe a different path.
Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan are in a battle, ….And the battle is for Ilia. Charles is not likely to go right into a title fight against Islam — The only reason I say that is that Islam wants some fresh blood. Ilia is not going to get a title shot even though he would fit the request of being fresh blood…Ilia vs Islam is not a massive fight. However, Ilia vs Islam, if Ilia defeats Charles first, is a completely other conversation.
Chael Sonnen said
In a YouTube video he uploaded recently, Sonnen urged the Spanish-Georgian to go for Charles Oliveira or Arman Tsarukyan. People like Sonnen, Michael Bisping, and others think Topuria has the minerals to solidify his stand and face such big names. Even peers think so.
Topuria wanted to challenge 'Do Bronxs' for a top contender spot not that long ago. Meanwhile, No. 1 ranking Tsarukyan was the 155-pound top seed before UFC 311. A win against either of them would make a good case for title contention. Makhachev's coach, Javier Mendez, even billed that Topuria would be a true lightweight if he is able to do so.
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Dibaas is an avid combat sports enthusiast and an MMA writer at FirstSportz. His knack of the sport started early, ranging as far back as UFC 81: Breaking Point; the first match watched. Barring a few years in the middle, he got back in the fold watching the rise of the likes of Conor McGregor, Kamaru Usman, and others... He also happens to be in the habit of writing, wherein his interests collide. He loves to report on anything and everything within the combat sports bubble. He has helped in freelance social redesign and rebranding for a few Instagram businesses, as well as digital/manual art restoration. He has a year of experience as Community service Associate, 4+ years of experience as a freelance content writer, and a year of experience in target-oriented writing. Currently, he delves into topics of MMA, Boxing, and Kickboxing to the best of his ability and share it with a dedicated audience.
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