Dustin Poirier has given his take on Ilia Topuria’s recent decision to leave the featherweight division behind and move up to lightweight.
Topuria, who remains undefeated at featherweight, has dominated the competition, securing knockout wins over former champions Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. With his sights now set on a new challenge, the Spanish-Georgian fighter vacated his title, allowing Volkanovski and Diego Lopes to compete for the vacant championship at UFC 314.
Poirier Praises Topuria’s Decision
Poirier, a former interim lightweight champion who also made the jump from 145 to 155 pounds earlier in his career, respects the way Topuria handled his move.
“It’s honorable to vacate the belt,” Poirier said in an interview with MMA Fighting. “To not hold up the division where guys been working so hard to get their shot at the title. He’s doing it the right way.”
With the featherweight belt now up for grabs, Topuria has turned his focus to the lightweight division, where Islam Makhachev reigns as champion.
Dustin Poirier feels Ilia Topuria has done enough to earn a title fight against Islam Makhachev:
“Vacating the belt and moving up, finishing Max Holloway the way that he did, I would give him a crack at the lightweight title right off the bat.”
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Does Topuria Deserve a Title Shot?
With Arman Tsarukyan missing out on a title shot due to injury, some believe Topuria could be next in line to challenge Makhachev. When asked about this possibility, Poirier acknowledged the debate but ultimately supported the idea.
“That’s tough to say,” Poirier admitted. “Especially with all the contenders, how the lightweight division’s been the last few years. But with a guy like him vacating the belt and moving up, finishing Max Holloway the way he did… I would give him a crack at the lightweight title right off the bat.”
Topuria’s undefeated streak and high-profile wins have certainly made him a strong candidate for a title fight. Now, all eyes are on the UFC to see if he will get his shot at Makhachev or if he will need to prove himself first against another top lightweight contender.
