{"id":630099,"date":"2025-09-15T20:28:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T19:28:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/?p=630099"},"modified":"2025-09-15T20:28:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T19:28:11","slug":"ilia-topuria-drops-bombshell-about-ufc-negotiations-for-his-upcoming-fight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/ilia-topuria-drops-bombshell-about-ufc-negotiations-for-his-upcoming-fight\/","title":{"rendered":"Ilia Topuria Drops Bombshell About UFC Negotiations For His Upcoming Fight!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ilia Topuria has built his career on being unpredictable and confident. The Georgian-Spanish fighter shocked the world when he knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to claim the title earlier last year. Then he followed that up with another stunning knockout victory over Max Holloway, proving his reign wasn’t just a fluke. He then quickly established himself as the lightweight champion at UFC 317. But behind all the excitement and title defenses, fans have been wondering what comes next for ‘El Matador’ and who will be his next challenger.<\/p>

The undefeated<\/a> UFC lightweight division is packed with talented contenders who all believe they deserve the next shot at Topuria’s belt. Names like Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett have all been mentioned as potential opponents. However, Ilia Topuria dropped a bombshell about UFC negotiations. He revealing that he and the promotion haven’t even started talking about his next fight yet. This admission comes as a surprise to many who assumed the UFC would be eager to book their exciting young champion as quickly as possible. Topuria’s casual approach to the situation shows just how comfortable he’s become in his role as champion.<\/p>

Ilia Topuria Takes Hands-Off Approach To Next Title Defense<\/h2>

During a recent interview, Topuria made some revealing comments about his future that caught the MMA world off guard. He admitted that negotiations with the UFC <\/a>haven’t begun for his next title defense, despite holding one of the sport’s most prestigious belts. The champion explained that he’s not worried about which opponent gets chosen because the UFC usually makes those decisions anyway. His laid back attitude toward fight selection might seem strange to fans who are used to seeing champions actively campaign for specific matchups or bigger paydays.<\/p>

“Honestly, I don’t really care which of the three I face. It’s just a matter of agreements with the UFC. We actually haven’t even started negotiations yet about my next fight<\/em><\/strong>. <\/em><\/strong>B<\/strong><\/em>ut as soon as they call me, they’re always the ones who pick the name. It doesn’t matter to me. Whoever they want.”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div>
View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/a>

A post shared by MMA Pros Pick (@mma.pros.pick)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>