The future of Ilia Topuria, the current featherweight champion, has been shrouded in uncertainty, with many questions surrounding his next fight and potential opponents. However, it seems that the wait for answers will not be long, as Topuria himself has hinted that announcements will be made soon. In a recent interview on the ‘Full Send Podcast’, Topuria stated that he hopes to make some announcements very soon, possibly as early as next week.
There has been no leak or expectation of what these announcements might entail, but it is clear that Topuria’s team is being tight-lipped about the details. When asked about the situation, those close to Topuria simply stated that these types of contracts and fights are typically announced by Dana White himself, suggesting that something big is on the horizon for the ‘matador’.
As the UFC has recently announced the dates and locations for the second quarter of 2025, including events in Miami, Montréal, and the International Fight Week, the focus now shifts to lining up the main events for each evening. Topuria’s plan remains unchanged, with the goal of moving up to lightweight and competing with a less aggressive weight cut. While Makhachev is a primary target for Topuria, as he holds the belt, there are other options on the table.
In the same podcast interview, Topuria mentioned the possibility of a fight with Dustin Poirier, as well as other notable opponents like Islam and Justin Gaethje. He even suggested that he could potentially move up to welterweight to pursue a second championship title, which would leave the featherweight title vacant and set up a potential duel for a new king.
As February is shaping up to be a month of announcements in the UFC, many of the unknowns surrounding Topuria’s future, as well as those of other top fighters, are expected to be cleared up. The coming weeks will undoubtedly be exciting for UFC fans, as the landscape of the organization continues to evolve and new matchups are announced.
Upcoming Fights and Possible Opponents
The possibilities for Topuria’s next fight are numerous, with several high-profile opponents in the lightweight division. A fight against Dustin Poirier, as mentioned by Topuria, would be an exciting matchup, as would bouts against Islam or Justin Gaethje. The Spanish-Georgian champion’s desire to move up to lightweight and compete with a less aggressive weight cut has been well-documented, and it will be interesting to see how his career progresses in the coming months.
UFC Announcements and Fight Week
As the UFC prepares for its upcoming events, including the International Fight Week, fans can expect a flurry of announcements and updates. The organization’s plans for the second quarter of 2025 are already taking shape, with events scheduled in Miami, Montréal, and other locations. With Topuria’s future and other top fighters’ plans set to be revealed, the next few weeks will be an exciting time for UFC enthusiasts.