Ilia Topuria took a bold decision by vacating his UFC featherweight Championship to move up to the Lightweight division. His unbeatable streak in UFC and his desire to pursue new opportunities is the main reason that influenced him for such a decision to avoid holding up other fighters in the Featherweight division.
To his desire Dana White, the UFC President has other views irrespective of the direct title shot. In an interview he mentioned and respected Ilia Topuria’s desire for the title shot against Islam Makhachev, but he can’t get the direct title shot for now rather he could follow the other structure that Topuria may need to navigate a complex path to secure a title fight. In this article we will discuss the conditions he has to fulfill.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Establishing Himself in the Lightweight Division
For the title shot against Makhachev, he has to prove his capabilities by establishing himself as a contender in the Lightweight division. This involves:
Competing Against Ranked Opponents:
Lightweight division is packed with top contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira who deserve to get a title shot. It’s not easy for Topuria to get a direct title shot as he has to face these elite players and defeat them within the Lightweight division. He has to win his matches which will ensure his position and credibility that he is capable and dissolve this title shot.
Showcasing Skills and Performance:
Outstanding results are really necessary. Therefore, in order to attract the attention of matchmakers and fans alike, Topuria must not only win, but win emphatically. Ideally, this should be accomplished through finishes or overpowering displays.
Step 2: Building Momentum Through Fights
After vacating his Featherweight title, establishing himself in the Lightweight division is the first step. The next is to built momentum which can be achieved by consecutive wins against elite players of this division.
Targeting Key Matchups:
Lightweight is full of top contenders and players having significant recognition. Ilia Topuria has to target these players and win against them. As securing wins against them will improvise his image and help in marketability.
Engaging with Fans and Media:
Social media can play a role for his image visibility and for that he has to do multiple interviews from time to time, Engage with fans through social media, and do regular fans interaction. All this will increase his potential title shot match chances.
Actively promoting himself through social media, interviews, and fan interactions can help create buzz around his potential title shot. Fans easily connect and resonate to tales that highlight his path from being a featherweight champion to a contender in the lightweight division.
Step 3: Navigating UFC Politics
Understanding UFC’s matchmaking dynamics is essential:
Till he gets the title opportunity he has to keep an eye on UFC matchmaking. For next title shot opportunity he needs to follow the division’s elite players who performed to achieve the title shot.
Leveraging Rankings:
As he climbs the rankings with wins, Topuria not only has to focus on wins only but also on the activity of current champions. In addition, he has to focus on his potential challenges too. If Makhachev is scheduled to defend his championship against another fighter, there are potential chances Topuria will be the next if he continues his winning streak in this division.
Negotiating with UFC Management:
All this will help him to become the top contender and for further title shot opportunity he has to discuss it with UFC management regarding his desire or opportunity. Demonstrating readiness and willingness to fight for the championship will be key.
Step 4: Waiting for Title Shot Opportunities:
Now Topuria has to wait for Makhachev and follow his activities. If Makhachev manages to defend his title against a challenger, there are many more chances that next Topuria will get his opportunity but till that time he should have built enough momentum.
Positioning Himself as Next in Line:
Positioning himself as the natural next challenger can boost his chances of earning that coveted championship opportunity, provided that the conditions allow for it (for example, injuries or schedule problems among other candidates).
Conclusion
In summary, Ilia Topuria is one of those top players who never fear from the challenges and surely he can make his way toward a Lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev with his current form. Establishing himself as the challenger for next title shot among other top elite players with his fighting style.Taking into account the recent happenings inside the division, he has timed his challenge perfectly.
Reddaveni Saisneha 
Aditya Khare