Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Rogan Wants To See Ilia Topuria To Move Up To Lightweight

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Ilia Topuria has already solidified himself as the best featherweight fighter in the UFC. He has a devastating right hook which can knock the wind out of the opponent and so far is undefeated going 8-0-0 in the UFC and 16-0-0 overall. If you think he’s only talented at striking, think again. He can also take his opponents down to the ground and make them submit. In fact, Topuria has won exactly 50% percent of his fights via submission, in his career.

The talent is undeniable, especially since he has taken down two future ‘hall of famers’ already. We’re talking about knocking out Alexander Volkanovski in UFC 298 and taking out Max Holloway in UFC 308. He is the undisputed featherweight champion and the question that comes with it is, what’s next for Topuria.

UFC Commentator and Podcaster, Joe Rogan, thinks that Topuria should move up in weight class and fight somebody else. Ilia has already won over the best fighters in the featherweight division and it wouldn’t make much sense for him to fight Volkanovski again. It’s almost as if Topuria has conquered his weight class and there is nobody else that can challenge him anymore. This is by no means trying to take away what Max Holloway or Volkanovski have done for the sport but Topuria is just too good. So why does Rogan want Topuria to move up? Let’s find out.

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Rogan wants to see Ilia Topuria take on Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title

Ilia Topuria currently fights in the featherweight division at 145 pounds (65.91kgs). Meanwhile Rogan wants him to move up by 10 pounds to 155 (70.45 kgs). Simply because Rogan and many others think that Topuria should fight Makhachev for the lightweight title. Everybody, including us, wonder who would win between the two as both the fighters are champs in their respective division.

Rogan said “As crazy as it sounds, I hope Ilia goes up to (155). I really do.” He continued “Volkanovski-Diego Lopes (at 145), Ilia goes up to 55. I don’t care if he only defended the title one time… Who cares? Let’s go. Let’s f**king go.”

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Does Ilia Topuria have any intentions to move up in weight class?

Ilia has mentioned that he wants to move up as well and take on Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title. Many fans wants to see this fight happen and so do we. A champion taking on another champion who be a treat for the UFC fans. Topuria doesn’t exactly like Makhachev either, as he’s tweeted about how he wants to knock Islam out.

Islam, if I want to, I can finish you.if I want to, I can knock you out. I'll make it look easy. Se you soon 😉
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) January 19, 2025

It is not the first time Topuria has tweeted something about Islam Makhachev. He also mentioned that he wants to fight Makhachev in 2025.

I don’t need to cross lines but it seems like the kids that hang out with you will try to cross a line they can’t come back from. Let’s leave the kids out of it and settle it like adults inside the octagon 2025 🌹 https://t.co/19ypdhSCYA
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) October 7, 2024

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