Ilia Topuria has been urged to make good on his intended lightweight move in a debut clash with former champion, Charles Oliveira before challenging the incumbent gold holder, Islam Makhachev — by the Russian’s manager and agent, Rizvan Magomedov.
Topuria, who is set to vacate the undisputed featherweight champion just a year after his divisional reign began, will see his championship on the line at UFC 314 in April, with former opponent, Alexander Volkanovski vying for the belt against the surging Brazilian contender, Diego Lopes.
And linked with an immediate title clash with lightweight champion, Makhachev — potentially as soon as UFC 317 in June during a massive event on International Fight Week, Topuria is planning a shot at 155lbs from the get-go in his new division.