“They were very clear with us when they said they are no longer allowing fighters to jump between weight classes,” said Diego Lopes, suggesting that the UFC may have forced Ilia Topuria to vacate his featherweight title to move up to the lightweight division. Rumors spread like wildfire as Dana White faced tough questions from fans regarding the new double-champ policy. But what’s the reality? Was Topuria forced to vacate, or did he relinquish the title on his own? Dana White has now addressed both this question and the ongoing double-champ controversy.

While having a conversation with the media at the UFC Seattle post-fight press conference, the UFC CEO was grilled by the reporters on questions about a potential matchup between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev, to which Dana White asserted that it is still indecisive and there are other possibilities to it as well, “There’s still other possibilities, so there’s a lot of stuff going on right now.”

When asked whether the promotion had forced Ilia Topuria to vacate his title, White asserted that it was rather the opposite, as ‘El Matador’ himself called upon the higher authorities to relinquish his title – “He did that. He said, ‘I’ve done everything I can do here. I’m ready to move up,’ and he vacated it. He said, ‘I shouldn’t be holding up anybody’s opportunities.’ I always respect when guys do that.”

In response to questions about the new double champ policy, White asserted that the UFC has not implemented such a rule. However, he emphasized that for any champion to pursue double champ status, they would need to defend their title multiple times. “Unless you think you can defend the belt—listen, if there’s a guy that thinks he can do it and wants to defend both belts, accomplish all these great things, I would have no problem with it.”

A few weeks ago, Chael Sonnen had suggested the same for the Spaniard. He said, “If Topuria really wants to do this, he’s going to have to start with the truth. If his truth is, ‘I can’t make 145 anymore’. let me just encourage you to stop. If his truth has nothing to do with something personal against Islam, let me just encourage you to stop… don’t make 145 again. Make it known that you won’t be making 145 again. Declare yourself a 155-er, and you will instantly be the number one contender.” The only part Sonnen seems to have gotten wrong was the instant number-one contendership.

Well, it could be ascertained that the UFC has not barred fighters from fighting for a second title, but they now have certain rules to it. However, it must be noted that Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev is still a far-fetched idea. Interestingly, Daniel Cormier believes that even if that fight happens, ‘El Matador’ will be at a serious disadvantage.

Daniel Cormier believes Ilia Topuria would find it difficult against Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev is arguably the most complete fighter within the UFC. In addition to that, the lightweight champion is much taller and bigger in comparison to Ilia Topuria. A fight between these two stalwarts would be magnificent, but ‘El Matador’ would be at a serious disadvantage according to former dual-weight champion Daniel Cormier.

While having a conversation on Good Guy/Bad Guy with Chael Sonnen, ‘DC’ highlighted that he trains alongside Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev and he knows what kind of monsters these fighters are, “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.”

He 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.” Daniel Cormier’s concern is quite justified because the former featherweight champion was competing in the bantamweight division in his initial MMA days before transitioning to the featherweight division.

However, Topuria has fought taller (and not necessarily bigger) opponents at featherweight. Max Holloway for example. And much shorter guys like Alexander Volkanovski have given Makhachev trouble. According to his coach Jorge Climent, Topuria cuts down from around 187 lbs to 145 lbs. So, it’s safe to say that he has a body weight that should technically allow him to take the strikes from guys like Makhachev and Oliveira, who ‘DC’ name-dropped. Just to compare, Makhachev came in at 178 lbs for his last title defense at UFC 311. Charles Oliveira, too, walks around at 185 lbs outside fight camp.

The question then becomes all about the height. Fortunately for Topuria, his boxing skills allow him to close the distance. His well-rounded game allows for taking the fight to the ground as well. The ultimate difference maker will be the power he has in his hands, which should hold up well at lightweight too. Remember that Max Holloway was in a proper lightweight frame when he fought Topuria. Considering all of the above, do you think Cormier’s observations are astute?