Ilia Topuria, a rising star in mixed martial arts (MMA), has hinted at a potential exit from the sport for boxing. Earlier this year, he claimed the vacant lightweight title, making him only the tenth fighter in UFC history to achieve titles across multiple weight classes.
Plans for Future in Boxing
Despite expectations to defend his title early next year, personal circumstances forced Topuria to take a break from competition. Recently, he expressed doubts about his longevity in MMA, stating, “It’s no secret that I’ve always wanted to try my hand at boxing.” Topuria emphasized the importance of focusing on one sport at a time, stating, “If you try to catch two rabbits, you end up catching neither.”
He elaborated on the challenges of transitioning between MMA and boxing. “Boxing requires a completely different approach… I would have to adapt to that, which takes time,” he explained. Topuria intends to wrap up his MMA career before making a full commitment to boxing.
Uncertain Future in MMA
Topuria remains uncertain about how much longer he will continue in MMA. He mentioned that his future depends on various factors, saying, “It depends on how circumstances develop.” He is determined to stay active in the sport for as long as possible, while also entertaining the possibility of pursuing a third title.
Aiming for the Triple Crown
One of Topuria’s ambitions is to challenge for the welterweight championship held by Islam Makhachev. He shared, “The ‘triple crown’ is absolutely something I hope to pull off before I walk away.” Topuria is focused on achieving this milestone, even as uncertainties about his future linger.
- Recent Achievements: Claimed lightweight title
- Boxing Aspirations: Plans to transition after MMA career
- Title Ambitions: Aiming for welterweight title fight
As Ilia Topuria navigates his career path, fans and followers will undoubtedly be watching closely. His dual aspirations in MMA and boxing signal a dynamic era in his athletic journey.
