UFC Featherweight Division is Rocked By Title Vacancy and New Championship Fight for UFC 314.
Ilia TOPURIA, UFC featherweight champion has relinquished the 145-pound championship. This is a major shift in UFC’s featherweight division. This decision opens up the possibility of a championship match between Alexander Volkanovski (UFC 314) and Diego Lopes.
Topuria decides to pursue his light-weight aspirations
Ilia Topuria, aka “El Matador”, has informed UFC that he intends to vacate his featherweight title and move to the 155 pound division. UFC’s President and CEO Dana White has confirmed this news. White cited Topuria as saying that he believes that he is done with featherweight, and the weight-cut has become more difficult.
White explained that Topuria’s body could not support the extra weight. “He feels he has cemented himself in this division and is satisfied with his achievements,” White added. Topuria’s featherweight championship will now be vacant as he will move up to 155 lbs.
Topuria has an impeccable UFC record
Georgian and Spanish fighter, Topuria has a perfect professional record. He is 16-0. This includes an amazing 8-0 UFC streak. Topuria, who is known for his finish, only had to go on the scorecards two times in his UFC tenure, once against Youssaf Zaalal, and again twice with Josh Emmett. Topuria’s resume includes knockout wins over former featherweight champs Alexander Volkanovski, and Max Holloway. This solidifies his position as the dominant force of this division. The Holloway victory was his first defense of the featherweight championship.
Volkanovski Vs. Lopes, UFC 314: Vacant title fight
The UFC quickly arranged for a featherweight championship match between the former champion Alexander Volkanovski, and the rising contender Diego Lopes. This fight is the main event of UFC 314 on April 12, in Miami, Florida.
White has confirmed, “As the Volkanovski vs. Lopes fight begins the title will be vacant as soon the first blow is delivered.” We will announce Topuria’s fight when it is done.
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Volkanovski Seeks Redemption
Alexander “The Great”, widely considered as one of greatest featherweights in history, is aiming to reclaim the title after two consecutive knockout defeats against lightweight champions Islam Makhachev, and Ilia TOPURIA.
“Lopes, A Rising Star”
Diego Lopes currently ranks No. The featherweight champion, currently ranked No. Volkanovski is in for a tough fight with his aggressive fighting style and instincts to finish.
After Topuria left the UFC, and with Volkanovski taking on Diego Lopes for the featherweight title at UFC 314 a new chapter begins in UFC’s featherweight division. The fans are anxiously waiting for the fight to decide who will become the featherweight champion.