Credits: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

‘Right Off The Bat’ – Dustin Poirier Believes Ilia Topuria Deserves A Shot At The UFC Lightweight Gold!

Credits: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ilia Topuria has vacated the UFC featherweight title and is now moving up to the lightweight division. Topuria stated that the reason why he wants to move up is because the weight cut that it took for fights in featherweight, was too much to handle for his body.

There are even reports stating that Ilia was cutting a whopping, 40 pounds, to make the featherweight limit! Secondly, Topuria also feels like he’s done everything he could in the featherweight division like winning the title, defending it, and taking out the top fighters there.

Ilia Topuria was cutting 40 pounds to make the featherweight limit 😳 pic.twitter.com/dM7CqA58VH
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) February 24, 2025

Topuria’s move to the lightweight division has gotten mixed reaction so far. While some believe that it was the right move to make for the former featherweight champ, there are others who think that this is a mistake. Fellow lightweight fighter, Paddy Pimblett, believes that Topuria coming to the lightweight division will be the “downfall,” in UFC career.

However, Dustin Poirier, who is ranked fourth in UFC lightweight division, believes that Topuria should get a title shot right away. Let us look at what Poirier had to say.

Also Read: ‘I Respect When Guys Do That’ – Dana White Credits Ilia Topuria For This Gesture During His Move To Lightweight!

Dustin Poirier says that Ilia Topuria should get a title fight right away

Dustin Poirier thinks that Topuria should get a title shot immediately. Ilia knocked out Max Holloway in UFC 308 and that was enough evidence for Poirier to believe that Topuria has what it takes to challenge Makhachev for the belt. Dustin said “I would give Ilia Topuria a crack at the lightweight title right off the bat.”

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Should Ilia Topuria get a title shot immediately?

We believe that Topuria has what it takes to challenge Islam Makhachev right away. Topuria has an undefeated record, knocked out Volk and Holloway, and was the featherweight champ, which makes us believe that it is fair to give him a title shot immediately. However, we also understand that it could be unfair for some of the contenders in the lightweight division such as Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira.

It is a tought decision to make as UFC President, Dana White, has to decide what’s next for Islam Makhachev. A Topuria vs Makhachev showdown would certainly bring a lot of noise and viewers but it could be unfair for the top contenders. Either ways, it’s a dilemma in a nutshell.

Dustin Poirier feels Ilia Topuria has done enough to earn a title fight against Islam Makhachev:

"Vacating the belt and moving up, finishing Max Holloway the way that he did, I would give him a crack at the lightweight title right off the bat.”

(🎥 @JoseYoungs) pic.twitter.com/PpJt1vUYwE
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) February 24, 2025

Also Read: Dana White Gives His Take On The Future Of Patricio ‘Pitbull’ In The UFC

Dustin Poirier

Ilia Topuria

Islam Makhachev

UFC

Eric Divakaran

nba

nfl

mma

I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.