Former UFC Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has once again voiced his opinion regarding Islam Makhachev`s decision to vacate the lightweight title and move up to the welterweight division.
“Islam is mentally broken right now. It seems to me that it doesn’t benefit anyone when you realize you left the division out of fear,” Topuria stated at a press conference. “Can you imagine if I left featherweight without beating Max Holloway? You can’t ignore a contender who has cleared out the division. Fans are chanting his name, and you… What more can I say? I don’t know how this will affect his performance in the welterweight division. But that’s a fact. Let him do what he wants with his life.”
Topuria`s comments come as he prepares for his own fight for the vacant lightweight title against Charles Oliveira. The bout is scheduled to headline UFC 317 in Las Vegas, USA, on June 28.
