Michael Chandler doubts Ilia Topuria`s honesty regarding his weight as he prepares to compete in the 155lb lightweight division.
After achieving two significant victories in the featherweight class, knocking out Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway consecutively, Ilia Topuria has risen to superstardom.
Despite being the featherweight champion, Topuria surprisingly announced his decision to vacate the title and permanently move up to lightweight.
Subsequently, the Spaniard declared his move to 155lbs, adopting a ‘new identity’ and abandoning his well-known ‘El Matador’ nickname.
Ilia Topuria Faces Accusations of ‘Weight Fabrication’ Ahead of Division Change
Leading up to his lightweight debut, Topuria has persistently sought a fight with the current champion, Islam Makhachev, despite Makhachev`s apparent lack of interest.
The 28-year-old justified relinquishing his featherweight title by stating that weight cutting had become excessively challenging, claiming his walk-around weight to be around 180-190lbs.
However, lightweight contender Michael Chandler has since labeled Topuria a liar in response to these claims.
“His first UFC fight at lightweight, he was dropped by a head kick,” Chandler stated in an interview with Covers.
Topuria indeed moved up to lightweight to face Jai Herbert at UFC London in 2022, following difficulties in securing a featherweight opponent. He narrowly avoided defeat before securing a knockout victory.
“Now, I`m not suggesting history will repeat itself, or that lightweights are inherently superior to featherweights.”
“However, it’s undeniable that lightweights are generally bigger and hit harder than featherweights. This division jump will be very interesting.”
“I suspect he`s being untruthful about his weight. I doubt he weighs 190lbs. Having seen him in person, stood beside him, and had conversations, I believe it would be beneficial for him to face a top-five opponent before vying for the title shot,” Chandler concluded.
Joe Rogan Predicts Ilia Topuria`s Next Opponent Won`t Be Makhachev
Despite Topuria`s hopes that his star power will immediately grant him a fight with the Russian champion, Makhachev`s disinterest makes it seem improbable.
Consequently, Topuria has engaged in online exchanges with former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira after ‘Do Bronx’ expressed no interest in fighting ‘El Matador’.
UFC commentator Joe Rogan also believes the UFC will pursue a different direction, likely matching Topuria against a lightweight contender first.
“I don’t think (Makhachev vs Topuria) is going to happen,” he stated on his Fight Companion episode on Saturday.
“I wonder what the UFC will do with Topuria. I like the idea of Topuria vs Oliveira. Oliveira is very tall, dangerous in all areas, with a significant reach advantage. These lightweights are genuinely big, and Islam is huge.”
Rupert Hartwell