Ilia Topuria recently addressed skepticism surrounding his move to the shark-infested waters of lightweight, particularly concerns about his size in a division stacked with absolute killers. However, the undefeated juggernaut remains confident, insisting that 155 pounds (70 kg) is his natural weight class and that his potential rivals are seriously underestimating him. During a recent episode of JRE, Joe Rogan acknowledged Topuria’s talent but suggested that the transition to lightweight could be a major challenge, especially given the parade of guys like Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier.

For the unversed, the soon-to-be former 145lbs champ has previously fought at lightweight when he obliterated Jai Herbert back in 2022. While some believe he deserves an immediate title shot against Islam Makhachev, the Dagestani champion has dismissed the idea, stating that Topuria needs to first prove himself against a top contender. One name that has gained traction? Charles Oliveira!

Rogan, in particular, seemed intrigued by the idea of a Topuria vs. Oliveira showdown, which would provide a high-stakes test for the Spanish-Georgian star. “I like Topuria vs Oliveira,” Rogan stated on the 22nd March JRE Fight Companion, featuring Gordon Ryan, Brendan Schaub & Eddie Bravo. But the UFC commentator believes that Topuria could face a significant threat in Oliveira, who is close to being a complete fighter, with a taller frame than the Georgian Spaniard. “Oliveira’s so tall, so dangerous everywhere. Dangerous striking, huge reach advantage.”

But going back to the reason why Ilia Topuria decided to make a move to 155 pounds, Rogan just couldn’t comprehend the fact that he faced issues in cutting down to 145lbs. After all, he had one of the best featherweight runs any fighter has had in the UFC. Rogan further stated, “Is that [difficulty in cutting weight down to 145 pounds] what it is? Really? But he’s been doing it and winning?”

As Brendan Schaub reiterated the whole situation from Topuria’s perspective, Rogan asked, “What was he weighing when he was fighting ’45?” The former heavyweight fighter would reply, “They are saying, like 180, between 170. ” Hearing that Topuria weighed just around the middleweight limit outside the camp, Rogan had to admit that ‘El Matador’ could face a severe size discrepancy. “Those guys [155ers] are real big. Like, Islam is huge.”

Despite the warning signs, Topuria remains unfazed in his quest to become a two-weight champion. And while some are doubting his chances at 155 pounds, a former UFC star seems to be putting his money on the Georgian-Spaniard. Let’s take a look at that front.

Former BMF champion backs Ilia Topuria against Islam Makhachev

There is a reason why Islam Makhachev is called the boogeyman of the lightweight division. He always looks for the finish, but if doesn’t get it, he wins in a pretty dominant fashion. Despite being the greatest lightweight in UFC history, with four title defenses, Jorge Masvidal believes that Makhachev could struggle in the grappling department against Topuria. Seems shocking considering that the Dagestani’s prime weapon is his relentless ground game.

“Topuria vs Makhachev? I would bet the house on Ilia,” Jorge Masvidal told Adversity Kings. “I’ve seen Ilia go up against high-level wrestlers, guys who have wrestled their whole lives. Olympians. One mistake, and they give up.” Well, it will certainly be a pretty big confidence boost for Topuria to have ‘Gamebred’s support, and maybe he’s got a good reason to believe that.

‘El Matador’s early wins saw him excel mostly on the ground, and guess what? Moreover, most of his finishes are submission wins, so do you think he could give Makhachev a run for his money? Well, everything comes down to Topuria as he voluntarily decided to make the lightweight move, even though he did have a few good fights left in the featherweight division. Meanwhile, let us know what you think about his 155lbs move after taking Rogan’s statements into account. Drop your comments below.