Ilya Topuria, the former UFC featherweight champion, recently commented again on Islam Makhachev`s decision to leave the lightweight title vacant and transition to the welterweight division.
Speaking at a press conference, Topuria offered a strong opinion on Makhachev`s move:
“Islam is mentally broken right now. It seems to me that it won’t benefit anyone if you understand that you left the division out of fear. Can you imagine if I left featherweight without a win over Max Holloway? You can’t ignore a contender who has cleared out the division. Fans are chanting his name, and you… What more can I say? I don’t know how this will affect his performances in the welterweight division. But that’s a fact. Let him do what he wants with his life,” Topuria stated.
Note: Ilya Topuria is currently scheduled to fight Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title. This bout is set to be the main event of UFC 317, taking place on June 28 in Las Vegas, USA.
Gareth Tenby