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Ilia Topuria drops bombshell update amid reports of massive UFC title fight

Get ready for the return of "La Leyenda".
Drew Beaupre|
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

It looks like former UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria is finally preparing for his return to the cage.

The newly-nicknamed “La Leyenda” is a perfect 15-0 in his professional MMA career, and that record includes eight wins since he made his UFC debut in 2020 and earned a unanimous decision over Youssef Zalal.

Topuria knocked out longtime titleholder Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 to claim the promotion’s featherweight belt before defending it with another stoppage against divisional great Max Holloway, but the 28-year-old surprisingly elected to vacate the belt in preparation for a full-time lightweight move that fans have been eagerly waiting for.

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Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center.
Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center. | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Topuria Confirms Training Camp For Reported Title Fight

Following months of rumors regarding Topuria’s next fight, the former UFC champion has finally provided a promising update on his long-awaited return.

"the camp has begun"

The 28-year-old’s post obviously leaves out the key details that fans have been clamoring for, but both Álvaro Colmenero and Ariel Helwani were quick to quote Topuria’s message and indicate that “La Leyenda” will fight for a title on June 28 during International Fight Week.

"Ilia Topuria will be fighting at International Fight Week, for a title I am told."

"As discussed on the show today, Ilia is going to fight on June 28. The question is, will it be against Islam for the 155 belt, or will it be against Charles for the vacant?We should know soon. But he should 100% be on there and he should 100% fight for gold."

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Fans Left Waiting On News Of Topuria's Opponent

News of Topuria’s lightweight move immediately sparked conversations around a potential super fight with Islam Makhachev, who has successfully defended his belt four times since winning it against Charles Oliveira in 2022.

Makhachev most recently defeated Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in a short-notice bout after Arman Tsarukyan withdrew with an injury on weigh-in day, and UFC CEO Dana White made it clear in the aftermath of the event that Tsarukyan would have to work his way back towards a lightweight title shot.

Islam Makhachev (red gloves) leaves the octagon after defeating Renato Moicano (not pictured) in a lightweight title fight.
Islam Makhachev (red gloves) leaves the octagon after defeating Renato Moicano (not pictured) in a lightweight title fight during UFC 311 at Intuit Dome. | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Helwani’s report that Topuria and Oliveira could meet for the vacant lightweight title implies that Makhachev may himself be planning on a move up in weight, and the welterweight title will be on the line next month when Champion Belal Muhammad squares off with Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 315.

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Specific details regarding Topuria’s next fight will hopefully arrive soon given that “La Leyenda” has officially confirmed that he’s in camp, and no matter who he faces during International Fight Week the former champion’s return will be one of the biggest combat sports spectacles of the year.

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Drew Beaupre
DREW BEAUPRE

Drew is an MMA writer that regularly watches regional events in addition to major promotions such as the UFC, PFL, Bellator, and ONE Championship. He joined MMA Knockout when it was founded in 2023.

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