Why Has Ilia Topuria Vacated The UFC Featherweight Title and Who Will He Fight Next?

UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has officially vacated his title to move up to the lightweight division.

UFC President Dana White confirmed the news, announcing that former champion Alexander Volkanovski will face Diego Lopes for the vacant belt at UFC 314 on April 12, 2025, in Miami, Florida.

Why Has Topuria Vacated The Featherweight Title?

Topuria’s decision to relinquish the featherweight belt stems from two key factors: his belief that he has achieved everything possible in the division and the increasing difficulty of cutting weight to 145 pounds.

White explained, “Topuria feels like he has done all he can in that division. His body can not make the weight anymore, so he will be moving up to 155 pounds.”

Dana White says Ilia Topuria is vacating his UFC title because "he's done all he can in that division" and can no longer make the featherweight limit. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/TWjD3PGHGN

— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) February 20, 2025

The Georgian-Spaniard secured the featherweight title in February 2024 at UFC 298 with a stunning knockout victory over Volkanovski.

He successfully defended the belt once, defeating Max Holloway at UFC 308 via first-round knockout. Despite only one title defence, Topuria believes his time at featherweight has reached its natural conclusion.

Alexander Volkanovski Aims to Reclaim the Featherweight Belt

With the title now up for grabs, former champion Alexander Volkanovski will attempt to reclaim the gold against rising contender Diego Lopes at UFC 314.

Volkanovski, one of the most dominant featherweight champions in UFC history, held the title for over 1,500 days, defending it successfully against top contenders such as Max Holloway, Brian Ortega, and Yair Rodriguez.

Lopes, currently ranked third in the division, enters this fight riding a five-fight winning streak. His recent performances have solidified his status as a legitimate title challenger – making this an exciting matchup for UFC fans.

I have worked like no one else in recent years, I have accepted challenges and dares that the UFC has put in front of me, I have said yes in every situation, even when it was not favorable for me. In less than 2 years within the UFC I will have my opportunity for the title. I…

— Diego Lopes 🇧🇷🇲🇽 (@Diegolopesmma) February 20, 2025

What’s Next for Ilia Topuria in the Lightweight Division?

Topuria’s move to 155 pounds raises speculation about his next fight. Many fans wonder if he will receive an immediate title shot against current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

The plan is for Ilia Topuria to fight Islam Makhachev later this year, I'm told. Perhaps as soon as IFW.

Lots to digest and dissect. Will a quick reax video to the channel shortly.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 20, 2025

However, Makhachev has yet to express interest in fighting Topuria, as he also has aspirations to move up in weight.

Regardless of his first opponent at lightweight, Topuria’s undefeated record and knockout power make him a compelling addition to the division.