UFC standout Ilia Topuria is open to the idea of facing new challenges should he decide to move up to the welterweight division. Fresh off a knockout victory against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in Las Vegas, Topuria remains undefeated and is rapidly becoming one of the promotion’s biggest stars. At UFC 317, he fulfilled his pre-fight prediction by securing the win exactly as he anticipated, joining elite company alongside legends like Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier, and Georges St-Pierre who have won titles in multiple weight classes.
Though only a day past his UFC 317 triumph, Topuria expressed a desire to continue making history. While he has previously hinted at the possibility of competing at 170 pounds, he assured UFC matchmakers that he has no immediate plans to switch divisions. Despite this, one of welterweight’s top names, Belal Muhammad, has shown interest in facing Topuria if he moves up. Muhammad commented on Topuria’s skills and strength, noting the challenge size differences at 170 pounds present, especially for fighters moving up from 145 pounds.
Muhammad hasn’t fought since losing his UFC welterweight belt to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 and has recently expressed interest in a bout with Kamaru Usman. Moving across three weight classes is a rare feat in UFC history, and if Topuria aims to cement his legacy among the all-time greats, a jump to welterweight could be part of his journey sooner than expected.
Currently, Topuria is focused on defending his lightweight title against fierce rivals like Paddy Pimblett, who recently stirred tensions after UFC 317. Pimblett is rumored to be in talks for a fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 319 but has denied other circulating rumors involving UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis. After becoming a UFC superstar with his UFC 317 win, Topuria has multiple paths ahead; and if he does make the move to 170 pounds, Muhammad might be his first challenger.
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Fan Take: This development is exciting for fight fans because it signals the potential for fresh, high-stakes matchups in the welterweight division, one of UFC’s deepest weight classes. Topuria’s possible move could reshape the landscape by introducing a dominant new contender, pushing existing champions and challengers to elevate their game.
