Ilia Topuria has broken his silence after opting to move up to the lightweight division and, in turn, vacating the UFC featherweight title.
Despite hinting at a move away from 145, the news has caused a shockwave throughout the mixed martial arts community. The Georgian has looked unstoppable of late as he managed to score back-to-back knockouts of UFC greats Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski.
Hoping to bring his expertise up to lightweight, Ilia Topuria has his sights firmly set on a clash with king of the weight class Islam Makhachev.
If he is forced to wait before being thrust into a title opportunity, Topuria isn’t short on potential opponents in his new home.
Several huge names have been linked with the 28-year-old, with Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, and Charles Oliveira all possible future matchups.
One name that is consistently tied to Ilia Topuria is the controversial Brit Paddy Pimblett.
The pair have been involved in a feud both online and in person for years, but they now have the chance to settle that in the octagon.
For the first time since news broke of him vacating the featherweight strap, Ilia Topuria has spoken out on social media.
“Not like us,” Topuria said in his first Instagram post since dropping his belt.
Related: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes title fight set for UFC 314
What’s happens now in the UFC featherweight division?
Since Ilia Topuria vacated the title, it raises the question: What’s next for the featherweight division?
Immediately after news broke of Topuria’s decision, it was announced that a title fight had already been booked.
Former champion Alexander Volkanovski would welcome Diego Lopes to his first ever shot at UFC gold.
The pair are set to meet as the headlining bout of UFC 314 in Miami, Florida.
A battle for the vacant title will take place live from the Kaseya Center on April 12.
