Ilia Topuria’s decision to give up his UFC featherweight title in favor of a lightweight move has ignited a heated debate in the MMA community. While the undefeated Spanish-Georgian fighter claims that his body can no longer handle 145 pounds, UFC veteran Daniel Cormier isn’t convinced. Not one to mince words, he has also revealed the key areas where ‘El Matador’ falls short and why this was a terrible move by the former featherweight kingpin. So, what did he say?

The former two-division champion believes Topuria’s size could be a significant disadvantage against the top lightweights, raising questions about whether this move is motivated solely by weight concerns or a desire for two-division success. Cormier, speaking on Good Guy/Bad Guy with Chael Sonnen, emphasized Topuria’s significant size disparity from the lightweight elite, particularly Islam Makhachev. He said, “He’s a champion through and through, but when I see him, he’s not a big guy. So to hear he says he can’t make 145 anymore to me seems a bit odd.”

DC further added, “Because I see (UFC lightweight champion Islam) Makhachev (in the gym). I saw Khabib (Nurmagomedov) as the champ. Hell, I see (Michael) Chandler, and dude, (Charles) Oliveira is massive. These guys are bigger, much bigger, than Ilia Topuria.” It is worth noting that Daniel Cormier’s skepticism is justified. Ilia Topuria, who formerly competed at bantamweight, has only fought at 155 pounds in the UFC once, defeating Jai Herbert by knockout in 2022.

While he recently cemented his featherweight legacy with a title-winning victory over Alexander Volkanovski and a stunning knockout of Max Holloway, some believe he is making the same mistake as Conor McGregor by rushing into a division of physically larger fighters without first testing himself. So, we surely can agree with Daniel Cormier here that Islam Makhachev might prove to be too big of a challenge. But is Topuria actually going Conor McGregor’s way? Well, even Alexander Volkanovski’s head coach also believes that ‘El Matador’ is following the footsteps of ‘The Notorious’.

Alexander Volkanovski’s coach draws comparison between Ilia Topuria and Conor McGregor

Joe Lopez, Alexander Volkanovski’s head coach, draws striking parallels between Ilia Topuria’s choice to move up in weight and Conor McGregor’s historic ascension. ‘El Matador’, who defeated Volkanovski to win the featherweight title at UFC 298 and defended it against Max Holloway at UFC 308, is now aiming for the lightweight division. Lopez feels the undefeated Spanish-Georgian fighter is following in the footsteps of the sport’s biggest star, aiming to replicate McGregor’s success in two divisions.

“I spoke to his coaches and everything else, but on all accounts, I think he struggles to make that featherweight division,” Lopez told Submission Radio in an interview. “I guess he’s won that title, and he wants to follow the same path as (Conor) McGregor – and good luck to him if he makes that much money. I’d do it as well.” While admitting that the weight cut may have played a role, Lopez argued that the Spanish-Georgian’s decision was motivated by the prospect of superstardom and financial gain rather than necessity.

With Ilia Topuria‘s belt vacated, Volkanovski will now face Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight title at UFC 314. However, Lopez believes that a rematch with Topuria at lightweight is unavoidable. “Oh, 100 percent, it would be a fight of ages, and I know Volk wants to get that back. He was pretty disappointed that Ilia pulled out because Volk’s very proud, and he wants it back. He just wants it back.” If Volkanovski wins his title again, it might pave the way for another high-profile fight between the two in a different weight class. What do you think? Would you want to see the fight? Let us know in the comments.