Ilia Topuria has been excellent for MMA, but the time could be coming for the UFC to strip the Georgian star of his UFC featherweight title.
That statement might sound harsh, but considering recent events and trends, there’s a reason why I’m urging Dana White and the UFC to consider drawing a line in the sand.
Dana White Needs to Restore the Shine to the Double-Champion Distinction
Becoming a double champion in the UFC used to carry some significant weight, but lately, the term and the distinction are becoming too common and attainable.
There are a few common occurrences associated with the UFC that could use some regulation, but the manner in which a current champion can elect to chase a title in a different weight class is one that needs some attention sooner rather than later.
Ilia Topuria is Great, But Like Everyone Else, He Needs Some Guidelines
The latest UFC champion hinting at a move to another weight class to capture title glory is Ilia Topuria. Arguably the sport’s biggest breakout star in 2024, Topuria made headlines on Tuesday when he told a Spanish outlet he may have had his last fight at featherweight, where he is currently the champion.
Topuria’s plan, according to the segment, is to move up to lightweight, challenge No. 1 contender Charles Oliveira, and then challenge for the 155-pound title against the winner of the Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan fight at UFC 311 on January 18.
This plan, as it was first understood, was not the most egregious of plots by a champion looking for a title in a second weight class. After all, Topuria was at least planning to fight and defeat Oliveira before getting a shot at the lightweight title.
It was assumed he would vacate because he said he’d probably had his last fight at featherweight. However, on Thursday, Topuria took to social media to clarify his intentions…in a way.
Topuria claims he will not leave the title vacant. He confirmed he has not spoken with the UFC, so things could change. He also cautioned featherweight contenders to “stop celebrating.” He says he’s “not going anywhere.” Yet, he says he will “conquer” the lightweight division as he has the featherweight class.
There’s a lot of double talk in there.
Topuria’s coach said that the weight cut to 145 pounds has become too much for him as he sometimes weighs as much as 185 pounds. It sounds like his plight is very similar to Conor McGregor, who also struggled mightily to get to 145 pounds late in his run in that weight class. He ultimately won a title at 155, became a double-champion, but never fought at featherweight again.
The same thing has happened with every double champion in UFC history–except Daniel Cormier.
He is the only double champion to successfully defend both titles, which is probably the most undersold accomplishment in the sport. The UFC has allowed McGregor to go off the rails and to write his own rules. They should avoid allowing Topuria to do the same.
Champions Who Seek Double-Champ Status Should Be Forced to Make a Choice
If Topuria is done at 145, especially if the weight cut has been too taxing for him, by all means, he should move up to lightweight. That said, he should not be able to hold the featherweight division hostage in the process.
Champions should have to defend their title once a year to maintain their spot. If they have not fought and defended their title, they should be stripped. Topuria has been an amazing fighter and a much-needed star to help carry the UFC to Spain, where it hasn’t had elite representation.
However, he should not be allowed to have his cake and eat it too.
If he is unable or unwilling to defend his featherweight title, he and every other inactive champion should be stripped of their championship. A real simultaneous double champion defends both belts.
If Topuria is up to it, he should attempt to duplicate what only Cormier has been able to accomplish.
