Ilia Topuria is trying to assert himself among the lightweight elites.
Topuria won the featherweight title by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 last year and defended it by knocking out Max Holloway at UFC 308. “El Matador” then recently vacated his title, citing a lack of fresh contenders at 145 pounds — though an arduous weight cut may have had something to do with that move.
While Topuria has been plotting an immediate title shot at lightweight, the Georgian-Spaniard might have to prove himself against a legitimate contender at 155 pounds first.