Some were surprised not to listen to Ilia Topuria mentioning his rivalry with Islam Makhachev after succeeding the Dagestani at UFC 316.
With Makhachev vacating the lightweight title and pursuing two-division glory within the division above, a brand new kingpin at 155 kilos needed to be crowned.
On June 28, Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to make sure he would fill the void left on the throne. The Spaniard made good on his confident promise to complete the Brazilian inside one round and follow up on his featherweight title reign with multi-division glory.
And UFC 317 was removed from marking the last ambitious goal in Topuria’s profession. The 28-year-old has been vocal in expressing his desire to make history as the primary fighter to win three titles within the UFC.
As of at once, though, Dana White and co. are usually not on board.
Ilia Topuria promised to not ask for a welterweight move after UFC 317
After parading two championships across the Octagon, Topuria was interviewed by Joe Rogan.
Some were shocked that the newly crowned champ didn’t mention his predecessor given their heated confrontation in the times and months leading as much as UFC 317. Topuria notably branded Makhachev a “coward,” accusing him of running from their matchup.
During an appearance on the UFC’s About Last Fight show, Topuria appeared to elucidate why the Dagestani’s name was not uttered, revealing he made a promise to the UFC to not request a welterweight move after his victory.
“I’ve thought of it, however the last conversation I had with the UFC, they personally asked me the favor, ‘Don’t tell us after the fight that you desire to move to the welterweight division. Make us a promise.’
“I used to be like, ‘Ah, I promise,’” Topuria added, while jokingly crossing his fingers.
Ilia Topuria put his concentrate on one other grudge match
Fairly than immediately pursuing Makhachev should he take the welterweight throne, Topuria looks willing to satisfy the potential challengers he has to take care of at 155 kilos.
And ‘El Matador’ went so far as to push one in all them contained in the Octagon this past Saturday night, after Topuria’s face-off with Paddy Pimblett briefly turned physical and compelled security to intervene.
That’s left ‘The Baddy’ because the frontrunner within the eyes of many to challenge the Spaniard later this 12 months, though Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje each have their supporters.
While Tsarukyan’s backup role at UFC 317 doesn’t appear to have landed him a guaranteed spot opposite the champ, Gaethje had his retirement ultimatum dismissed by White.