By FCF Staff

Now that Ilia Topuria has won the UFC’s lightweight championship, a path to becoming a three-division champion has opened. But, according to the former featherweight champ, the UFC has asked him to put any plans regarding a move to welterweight on hold.

Topuria secured the lightweight title at UFC 317 last month, by viciously knocking out Charles Oliveira in the opening round. The historic win came several months after Topuria announced he was vacating the featherweight title.

Topuria has also talked about the possibility of moving up to welterweight in the past. But, during a recent appearance on  “About Last Fight”, “El Matador” revealed the UFC wants him to stay at lightweight for the time being (quotes via MMA Fighting.com).

“I thought about [moving up]. But the last conversation I had with the UFC they personally asked me the favor like ‘don’t tell us after the fight that you want to move to the welterweight division. Make us a promise.’ I was like ‘promise.’ I was [crossing my fingers]. I promise.”

Topuria also reportedly acknowledged that his plan is to focus on the lightweight division for now, but that a move to welterweight could materialize in the future.

With his win at UFC 317, the 28-year-old Topuria moved his overall record to 17-0.