Ilia Topuria, fresh off his victory over Alexander Volkanovski, vacates the UFC Featherweight title to move up to Lightweight.
With Diego Lopes and Volkanovski now set to battle for the vacant belt at UFC 314, fans and analysts debate Topuria’s bold decision.
Dustin Poirier calls Topuria’s move "respectful and honorable," praising him for not holding up the division.
Poirier, who has endured grueling weight cuts, understands that longevity matters more than holding a title at the wrong weight class.
Moving up means Topuria could be even more dangerous, as he no longer needs to deplete himself to make weight.
The debate rages: Should Topuria fight for the lightweight title next, or prove himself first?
Makhachev’s camp suggests Topuria must fight a top contender first, like Poirier or Charles Oliveira.
Poirier believes Topuria has already proved himself: "I would give him a crack at the lightweight title right off the bat."
Will Ilia Topuria become a two-division champion? Or will he have to earn his shot at the lightweight throne first?