Is Ilia Topuria ready to leave the featherweight divison behind? That’s the question echoing through the MMA world as ‘El Matador’ sets his sights on new conquests. With an undefeated record and a championship belt in hand, he isn’t just looking to defend—he wants to dominate another weight class.

So, what’s the path he needs to take to make this dream a reality? While he’s already made a call-out of lightweight king, Islam Makhachev, the champion doesn’t seem to be interested. But according to ‘El Matador’s coach, the ball is now in the UFC and Dana White’s court.  

Ilia Topuria’s coach confesses Dana White and the UFC hold all the cards for ‘El Matador’s lightweight dream 

In an interview with Submission Radio, Coach Jorge Climent addressed the growing speculation about Ilia Topuria’s next fight. Could it happen in April? Will it be at featherweight, or is lightweight the new frontier? Even Climent doesn’t have all the answers.

He confessed, “Look the real thing is, I don’t what is going to happen, you know. I think the UFC have to decide these things, and the managers. Ilia will be able to fight in 145 or 155, he’s able to fight in both weights. ”

A simple translation would be that Topuria isn’t closing the door on featherweight just yet, but lightweight is clearly on the table. And if a fight in April is being discussed, Climent made it clear they’re ready as he shared, “We want to fight in the short time we can, you know.”

But what if Charles Oliveira wants to welcome Topuria to lightweight? ‘Do Bronx’, a former lightweight champ is a dangerous striker with a submission game that has broken some of the best in the division.

Climent played it coy when asked about a potential showdown. “No, I don’t know. I say hello to Charles, have a good time. I don’t know what is going to happen, you know. If the UFC puts Charles with Ilia, it is work, you know.”, he confessed

A diplomatic answer, but the real bombshell came when Climent was pressed further. If he could choose anyone for Ilia Topuria to fight at lightweight, who would it be? Without hesitation, the coach answered, “The perfect choice is Islam.”

Dana White’s recent cryptic tease about a “special” fight for Islam Makhachev sent the MMA world into a frenzy.  Some fans even speculated that ‘El Matador’ might get his wish and step into the lightweight lion’s den. But according to someone with close ties to Topuria’s camp, that dream might be nothing more than smoke and mirrors.

 Topuria vs Makhachev rumors gets shut down emphatically by Giorgi Kokiashvili 

Georgian MMA journalist Giorgi Kokiashvili, a trusted voice with deep connections to Topuria’s team, isn’t buying into the hype. He took to X to shut down the rumors surrounding the clash between the two champions in his own blunt style.

In a straightforward post on the social media platform, he stated, “There are many rumors going around, and I’d like to say that Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria is NOT targeted at this moment.”

Comparing the speculation to fantasy matchmaking, he further wrote, “Rumors can be written about any fight, including Bryce Mitchell vs Alex Pereira and “trust me bro” might be the best source of it, but to trust?! come on…”

If the fight isn’t happening, what’s standing in the way? The answer is simple— Islam Makhachev doesn’t want it. The lightweight champ made his stance clear when asked about the possibility of facing Topuria in a previous interview by stating, “I need a second belt. That fights for what? For me, it’s nothing. Just his name. I don’t need his name; I need the belt.”

So, what happens next? Will Dana White step in and grant ‘El Matador’ the fight he craves, or will he steer him toward a featherweight defense? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!