UFC champ Ilia Topuria's bombshell clouds Alexander Volkanovski's next title shot
UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has revealed his plans to move to lightweight in a move that could have repercussions for Australian star Alexander Volkanovski.
The undefeated Spaniard shocked the world in February when he knocked out arguably the greatest 145-pound fighter in the sport's history to claim the title.
Since then, Topuria has defended the gold just once, defeating the dangerous Max Holloway via third-round knockout in October.
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While it had previously been confirmed by both Volkanovski and Topuria that they would square off again for the belt in 2025, those plans appear to have changed.
Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria face off at UFC 308. Getty
In a recent interview with Spanish radio station El Partidazo de COPE, the champ was asked whether he had competed for the last time at featherweight and his answer could throw the star-studded division into a state of flux.
"Yes, very likely," Topuria responded.
"I'd like to move up a weight class. We need to talk about it and take a look at my future, but for me, it's very clear how I want to do it."
The 27-year-old has cemented himself as one of MMA's best pound-for-pound fighters in recent years, finishing his opponents in 14 of 16 career bouts.
His plans to move up to lightweight could see Topuria in the firing line of champion Islam Makhachev, but there is another name who could be on the agenda.
Islam Makhachev is one of the UFC's best. Getty
"I'd like to move up to the next weight class, and since Islam is the champion fighting in January and he won't be ready for May, I'd like to fight against the No. 1 contender right now, who's Charles Oliveira," he said.
"Since Islam fights in January, I'd like to face the division's top contender."
Regardless of whether or not Topuria does move up, Volkanovski would remain in line for a championship fight in the first-half of next year.
After publicly expressing his desire to compete at UFC 312 in Sydney next February - something Topuria showed little to no interest in - Volkanovski appears to be stuck in limbo as he looks to regain the prize he held for many years.
Diego Lopes has been touted as a potential opponent for the Wollongong product.
