Former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria is set to challenge for the UFC lightweight title at UFC 317 during International Fight Week. While his opponent remains unconfirmed, Topuria awaits news on whether he'll face current champion Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira, should Makhachev vacate the 155-pound belt.
Opinions are divided on how 'The Legend' will perform in the heavier division. Some critics believe Topuria's shorter stature could present challenges at lightweight, while supporters maintain he'll continue his impressive knockout streak that claimed victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway at featherweight.
Javi Climent, Topuria's striking coach, expressed supreme confidence in a recent interview, stating that Topuria's boxing skills far exceed both potential opponents. "In boxing, Ilia destroys them. I'm certain he'd destroy Islam Makhachev, and even more certain he'd destroy Charles Oliveira," Climent declared.
Analyzing the potential matchup with Makhachev specifically, Climent acknowledged it would be a difficult fight but emphasized their strategic approach. "It would be a tough fight where we'd need to work on certain aspects. Islam is a bigger wrestler who will outweigh Ilia, so we need to utilize our mobility and the rhythm Ilia possesses," explained the coach.
According to Statbet analysis, Topuria's striking accuracy and power metrics in the featherweight division rank among the highest in UFC history, which could translate well to his lightweight campaign.
Climent elaborated on Topuria's striking advantages: "In MMA, Ilia has demonstrated excellent boxing rhythm. In close quarters, you rarely see UFC athletes combine more than two punches, and when they do, it's chaotic. Ilia does it with perfect technique and aesthetics, plus he has that knockout power everyone knows about."
The coach also addressed concerns about Topuria's ground game against elite wrestlers: "When Makhachev feels Ilia's hands and realizes he can't catch him, he'll likely try to take him down. But Ilia has incredible wrestling and excellent Brazilian jiu-jitsu that people haven't seen much of yet. It would be a very attractive fight to watch."
Reports suggest the International Fight Week main event will be announced after UFC 315, with Topuria's opponent depending on the outcome of the 170-pound contest between Belal Muhammad (Makhachev's friend) and Jack Della Maddalena. The drums of war are beating for 'The Legend' as he prepares for his lightweight championship opportunity.
