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Ilia Topuria (16-0) has become a focus of attention from the UFC's biggest stars, the world's leading mixed martial arts league, which seems evident with the explosion of the Spanish fighter. He knocked out the greatest featherweight of all time, Alexander Volkanovski, and also Max Holloway, another 145-pound legend.
With that resume, everyone is vying for him in the future: Volkanovski (26-4) is close to getting a rematch, and there is a strong base of names: Diego Lopes (26-6) or Movsar Evloev (19-0), beyond the dream Islam Makhachev (26-1), who seems focused on other targets.Volkanovski represents an opportunity for the great featherweight monarch. With countless defenses of the belt against all kinds of opponents, such as Yair Rodriguez, Brian Ortega, Korean Zombie or Max Holloway. He gave the step to Topuria, who knocked him out in Anaheim.
"He gave me the opportunity, now he deserves the rematch," itted Topuria. It seems inevitable that their paths will cross, more with the PPV in Australia without the great representative of the country of Oceania and the decision to headline with the rematch of Du Plessis - Strickland for the middleweight belt in Sydney.
It seems that Spain is getting further and further away as a venue, leaving a scenario in which two names are gaining strength. Lopes' name is strong because of his level in battles against Brian Ortega, whom he dominated. He has on his side the strength of Brazil or Mexico, countries he represents, and that event that UFC wants to do in connection with the tricolor country. But he has not fought since the Sphere in Las Vegas, and may return sooner.
Evloev option
Evloev is the one who appears strongly. He did not finish, but dominated with his wrestling Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310 and remains unbeaten. A fight with Topuria had already been planned at UFC 270 and their difficult relationship is well known. "Give me the guy from Spain," the Russian told ESPN. "He doesn't need to move up to another category. I have a 9-0 in featherweight, I'm next. I don't think the rankings say anything. I think I'm the best and only what I need for the title is that opportunity," he stressed
[Ilia Topuria] doesn't need to move up a weight class. I'm 9-0 at featherweight, I'm next. I don't think the rankings say anything.
It would be a complex battle. Evloev's fighting and pressure is shocking, although he does not have the finishing touch of Topuria. "He's very good. I have nothing against him, I just want the belt," explained the Ingushetia native. "I'll go anywhere. Spain, Georgia, Antarctica..." he added
If [Makhachev] wants to do it, we will absolutely give it to him if he defends the belt in January
In the background is the name of Makhachev. Although he got into a fight with Topuria, he is thinking about other targets. He is thinking about his lightweight defense against Tsarukyan, the possible rematch against Oliveira and a double-belt option in the welterweight division. UFC CEO Dana White is not against his option to move up to 170. "We could give it to him, completely," he said.