Former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, known for his powerful striking, is moving to the 155-pound division, predicting even greater power and success in this new weight class after vacating his featherweight title following significant victories.
Ilia Topuria, the former UFC featherweight champ, is making a bold move to 155 pounds. Already known for his striking power, Topuria believes this transition will elevate his game to unprecedented levels.
“You’re gonna see me at 155, and when I touch someone, their lights are out,” he confidently stated on the Joe Rogan Experience. "I don’t even need to hit the chin—just a touch to the head, and boom."
Feeling unstoppable in this weight class, Topuria exclaims, “I’m so powerful and stable on the ground. Want to wrestle? Let’s do it. No problem. I’ve got gas for five days, not just five rounds.”
Having vacated his featherweight title, Topuria’s move to the stacked 155-pound division is a fresh challenge. He had claimed victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 and then successfully defended his title by stopping Max Holloway at UFC 308.
Topuria sees the jump in weight class as an individualized decision, noting that some fighters might be in the wrong division. “It depends: Some, yes. Some, no,” he mused. He mentioned José Aldo as an example—perhaps capable of fighting at 135 but thrived at 145.
The unpredictability of such decisions adds complexity to the sport, where each fighter’s journey is unique. The question remains: How will Topuria fare in this new chapter?