By FCF Staff

There’s been no shortage of talk recently about Ilia Topuria’s decision to vacate the UFC’s featherweight title. But, the star’s manager says Topuria’s move to lightweight is about prolonging his career.

For months, Topuria repeatedly said he hoped to challenge for the lightweight title. But, it wasn’t always clear if the Georgian and Spanish fighter would leave featherweight behind. Further, the expectation was that Topuria (16-0) would face Alexander Volkanovski one more time, after he ended the legend’s reign in February, 2024.

More recently, Topuria’s manager, Malki Kawa, appeared on “The Ariel Helwani Show“. While discussing the now-former champ’s decision to move up to lightweight, Kawa acknowledged it was due to the considerable challenges he had making 145 pounds (quotes via MMA Junkie.com).

“The truth is that the weight cut is hard for him. Look, when you’ve been in this business for as long as we’ve been in it, you kind of learn certain things. And the longevity of fighters, especially at the highest level, when you talk about being a champion, you’re talking about a guy who has to fight the Volkanovskis, the Charles (Oliveira), the Islams (Makhachev), the Max (Holloways).

“You’re talking about fighting the best guys in the world. If you’re cutting all that weight, what you’re basically also doing is taking years off your fighting life. So this guy is looking at longevity. He’s looking at the fact that it’s almost a 50-pound cut every time. It’s time to move up to 155. I’m confident that Islam will accept it. I’m confident that we’ll be fighting for that belt, but it’s really not on us. It’s on them.”

The reigning lightweight champ, Islam Makhachev, has previously said he’s not interested in fighting Topuria. Makhachev already holds two wins over Alexander Volkanovski and he’s argued he has little to gain by facing Topuria.

Despite those comments, there’s been considerable speculation the UFC is working on booking a Makhachev – Topuria fight for later this year.