“Topuria has felt like he’s done all he can in that division, and he feels like he’s cemented his legacy, and his body cannot make the weight anymore.” These were the words Dana White used last month when he confirmed Ilia Topuria’s departure from the featherweight division after weeks of speculation. While the announcement itself made waves, it was the head honcho’s reasoning that truly shocked fans, as he claimed the 5’7” Georgian-Spanish export’s body could no longer withstand the grueling cut to 145lbs. This concern, however, was not new as Topuria’s longtime coach, Jorge Climent, had voiced similar worries last year.

Speaking to Submission Radio, Team Topuria explained how aging and increased muscle mass had made cutting weight increasingly difficult for ‘La Leyenda.’ He revealed, “He [Ilia Topuria] hates to cut weight…Sometimes I see Ilia at 85kg, and he needs to be 66. We do a very big weight cut.” The revelation has since sparked debate within the MMA community. Some fans support Topuria’s camp, arguing that extreme weight-cutting becomes increasingly unsustainable with age. They compared him to Khabib Nurmagomedov who was rumored to weigh 220lbs outside of camp despite standing at just 5’9.

Conversely, skeptics argue that Topuria’s team is exaggerating the issue as a strategic ploy to secure a second title shot in a higher-weight class. One of the most outspoken critics is Michael Chandler. According to a report by Combat Forever, ‘Iron’—who has met and spoken with ‘La Leyenda’ in person outright accused him of exaggerating his weight. He stated, “I think he’s lying about the weight a little bit. I don’t think he weighs 190 pounds. I’ve seen the man, I’ve stood next to the man, we’ve had conversations. With that being said, I think it would be cool for him to come in and fight somebody inside the top five to get the title shot.”

Amid ongoing debates about his weight struggles, one thing remains clear—he is on the verge of becoming the former featherweight champion. The 145-pound title will be up for grabs at UFC 314 in April, with Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes set to clash for the future of the division.

After that fight, Dana White & Co are expected to reveal Ilia Topuria’s next move. The big question is whether he will be granted an immediate title shot against reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, or if he will first need to face another top contender. White recently addressed the uncertainty, stating, “We are working on a plan for Ilia. We should have some announcement about him. Give us a couple more weeks.” Meanwhile, rumors are swirling about Makhachev’s possible reluctance to face Topuria. Is there any truth to it? Let’s hear what ‘La Leyenda’ has to say.

Ilia Topuria claimed to have exposed Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira

Ilia Topuria’s future in the UFC’s lightweight division remains uncertain, despite months of speculation about his move up from featherweight. As the soon-to-be former 145 lbs champion, ‘La Leyenda’s path in the lightweight division is still unresolved, which has understandably frustrated him. With top contenders like Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, and Charles Oliveira all vying for a shot at reigning champion Islam Makhachev, the situation becomes even more pressing. Makhachev, who has expressed interest in facing Gaethje—a fight that has yet to happen inside the Octagon—has inadvertently left Topuria in limbo, adding to his growing impatience.

The Spanish native has firmly stated that he won’t shy away from targeting Makhachev and Oliveira. In a recent interview with MMA journalist Alvaro Colmenero, he made it clear that he’s ready to take on the top contenders in the division. However, the Dagestani juggernaut has already dismissed the idea of offering ‘La Leyenda’ an immediate title shot, instead proposing that he first prove himself against another contender.

On the other hand, Charles Oliveira, who initially showed interest in a fight with Topuria, is now 35 years old and aware that his time in the UFC could be running out. The Brazilian has been vocal about his desire for a title shot. Topuria expressed his frustration, stating, “All of my training is actually focused on Islam or Charles because I don’t see any other opponents. So, I have two names in mind. Neither of them dare [to fight me]. Then they have these phrases they make their own, like, ‘A champion will fight whoever they’re told,’ and so on, and then, ‘I don’t want to fight him because he’s small.'”

How do you see Ilia Topuria’s future in the 155lbs division? Do you buy into Michael Chandler’s claims? Do you think ‘La Leyenda’s walk-around weight truly reaches 190 lbs? Feel free to share your thoughts below.