Ilia Topuria has sparked significant discussions with his recent comments about potentially leaving the UFC featherweight division to move up to lightweight.
Diego Lopes, a UFC contender, was among those surprised by the featherweight champion’s bold statements. Despite being on the verge of a title shot at 145 pounds, Lopes is indifferent to whether Topuria stays or departs from the division, though he believes the move might be premature.
“From my point of view, I think he has work to do in the division,” Lopes told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “We have several contenders with their sights on him, and I’m one of those. I would like a fight against him, and if he stays in the division, that’s a fight that I’ll look for. But if he is really leaving, he needs to make that decision, and let’s see what happens with the division.”
Considering Topuria’s impressive record of winning and defending the UFC featherweight title amidst a roster of rising contenders, Lopes expressed surprise at Topuria’s comments about leaving the division.
Lopes remains skeptical about whether Topuria’s move up is certain. However, if the move does occur, he hopes the UFC will pair him with former champion Alexander Volkanovski.
“I think those comments caught everyone by surprise since he had said he was going to defend his title against Volkanovski for his next fight,” Lopes explained. However, uncertainty looms over the division’s future, prompting even the fighters to seek answers from the UFC. Lopes speculates that Topuria might be impatient for answers, prompting his remarks about moving to 155.
“If he truly is going to move up to 155, I’d like to fight against Volkanovski – whether it’s a title fight or not, or an interim title. I’d want to fight him. If he’s going to be left without a fight, I’m here.”
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