Last June Ilia Topuria became the first undefeated two-time UFC champion by knocking out Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 317. The Spanish-Georgian has already made mixed martial arts history, but he’s always ready for more. And it’s this El Matador wants to be the first to win the triple crown and set his sights on the welterweight belt.
The current 170 pound champion is none other than Islam Makhachev, a rival Topuria has been pursuing since winning his first title in February 2024 against Alexander Volkanovski. The Spanish-Georgian challenge is not easy, but for Urijah Faber, former UFC fighterhe is the only one who can achieve this.
“This guy, with his skills, appears to have incredible power that could translate into higher weight classesbecause it’s the only thing you struggle with as you move up and down the category; I did the same thing,” Faber said in an interview with The Schmo.
Faber, who has also moved between weight classes and been a WCE champion, explained some of the advantages the Hispanic-Georgian could have. “You’re a little faster when you’re small and a little stronger when you’re big. But it all depends on technique, will and fighting spirit,” he continued. “I think “Ilia has these qualities right now.”he assured The California kid.
First of all, Topuria will have to resolve family problems which distance it from the competition. For the moment, the Hispanic-Georgian has announced that he will not fight during the first quarter of the year. Furthermore, once he returns, It is predictable that he will first have to defend the lightweight belt before the UFC “allowed” him to move up to welterweight.
About The Author
