Ilia Topuria explained the main reason why he decided to move up to the lightweight division.
The former featherweight champion is set to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
Ilia Topuria has beaten both Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski before making the switch to lightweight.
Ilia Topuria Explains the Reason Why He Moved to the Lightweight Division
Having dominated the featherweight division and beaten some of the greats in Holloway and Volkanovski, fans were surprised to see Topuria move up to the lightweight division. Furthermore, with the Spaniard vacating his belt as revealed by Dana White, it left fans to wonder what would happen next.
Now, Ilia Topuria has given fans the reason why he moved up to the lightweight division. Speaking to ESPN Deportes, the former featherweight champion said, “When you’re cutting weight and you can’t eat or drink water. You don’t care about any material things. They (UFC) can give you bags of money, they can give you all the cars you want, you don’t care at all.
“I’d already done it throughout my career. I’d already achieved my dream, which was to become a world champion. I had to close that chapter because I didn’t want to suffer anymore.
“Honestly, it’s like living in the desert and I wanted to live on the beach.”
Charles Oliveira Awaits Former Champion
On the other hand, Ilia Topuria is set to face a veteran in the lightweight division in Charles Oliveira. The Brazilian has faced off against some of the best, including Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier. His last performance was dominant over Michael Chandler.
Despite this, Ilia Topuria will be relishing the opportunity to face a former champion. A win over Charles Oliveira is surely set to put the Spaniard in contention for a title shot. Furthermore, with the lightweight division being stacked with multiple stars, including Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje, it opens up a range of different fights. It could see Pimblett face Topuria as the pair have clashed several times.
Comment your prediction for Ilia Topuria vs Charles Oliveira.
Featured image credit to Embed from Matchroom Boxing
