UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria is already considering a future at lightweight, and one name stands out as a dream opponent—Dustin Poirier.
Topuria, who remains undefeated in his MMA career, has been dominant in the featherweight division, most recently securing a win over Max Holloway at UFC 308. While his reign at 145 pounds is just beginning, the Spanish-Georgian fighter has his sights set on a move up, particularly for a legacy-defining bout.
Speaking on the Full Send Podcast, Topuria showered Poirier with praise, calling him one of the toughest and most exciting fighters in the sport.
“Just imagine a fight between me and— I love that dog, Dustin Poirier,” Topuria said. “He’s a f****** fighter. He goes in and fights till he dies. You’re gonna have that guy in front of you fighting and trying to take your head off. That’s a very exciting fight for me, and I think for the fans also.”
Poirier’s Legacy and a Potential Clash
Like Topuria, Poirier started his UFC journey as a featherweight before transitioning to lightweight, where he cemented his status as one of the most entertaining and respected fighters in the sport. The former interim champion has faced the best of the best, including Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Charles Oliveira.
At 36, Poirier has hinted that his next fight may be his last, making the timing of a potential clash with Topuria uncertain. However, if the stars align, it could be a high-stakes, fan-favorite showdown between two of the UFC’s most exciting fighters.
Other Lightweight Options for Ilia Topuria
Beyond Poirier, Topuria acknowledged the deep talent pool at lightweight, naming current champion Islam Makhachev, former champion Charles Oliveira, and BMF titleholder Justin Gaethje as potential opponents.
“Arman [Tsarukyan] needs to build himself a little bit more. Islam is a great fight. Charles is a great fight. Justin Gaethje is a great fight,” he said. “I can mention so many great fights.”
For now, Topuria remains focused on defending his featherweight title, but a jump to lightweight seems inevitable. Whether it’s Poirier or another top contender, “El Matador” is ready for the challenge.
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