By FCF Staff

The expectation has been that Ilia Topuria will face Alexander Volkanovki for the second time in his next outing. But, the UFC’s featherweight champ is reportedly signalling his run at featherweight could be over.

Immediately after Topuria knocked out Max Holloway in October, he acknowledged a rematch with Volkanovski makes sense. Topuria finished the former champ in February.

But, it’s being reported that during a recent appearance on the Spanish radio station, El Partidazo de COPE, Topuria said he wants to move up to lightweight. The champion also reportedly said he may have fought his last bout at 145 pounds (quotes via MMA Junkie.com).

“We need to talk about it and take a look at my future, but for me, it’s very clear how I want to do it. I’d like to move up to the next weight class, and since Islam (Makhachev) is the champion fighting in January (against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311), and he won’t be ready for April or May, I’d like to fight against the No. 1 contender right now, who’s Charles Oliveira.”

“I’d like to move up a weight class,” . “Since Islam (Makhachev) fights in January, I’d like to face the division’s top contender, Charles Oliveira.”

The 27-year-old Topuria (16-0) has gone 8-0 since he joined the UFC in 2020. The Georgian fighter, who resides in Spain, is currently ranked #4 in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings.