Ilia Topuria, a former UFC featherweight champion, has once again offered his perspective on Islam Makhachev`s decision to step away from the lightweight title and pursue a move up to the welterweight ranks.
“Islam is currently mentally broken,” Topuria asserted during a press conference. “I don`t think it benefits anyone when you realize you abandoned a division out of fear. Could you imagine me leaving featherweight without first beating Max Holloway? You simply cannot ignore a challenger who has defeated everyone in the division. The fans are clearly calling for him, and yet you… what more is there to say? I`m uncertain how this will impact his future performance in the welterweight division. But the facts are clear. He is free to make his own choices in life.”
It`s worth noting that Ilia Topuria himself is scheduled to compete for the vacant lightweight championship. He will face Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 317 on June 28th in Las Vegas, USA.
Tristan Blackwood