Ilia Topuria sees Diego Lopes as candidate for title shot

The UFC featherweight division is poised for some probably vital motion within the ultimate quarter of 2024, and Ilia Topuria is preserving his eyes on every little thing.

Forward of Topuria’s (15-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) scheduled title protection towards Max Holloway (26-7 MMA, 22-7 UFC) at UFC 308 on Oct. 26 in Abu Dhabi, a pair of matchups that includes ranked contenders are set to unfold.

Former title challenger Brian Ortega (16-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) will tackle the red-hot Diego Lopes (24-6 MMA, 4-1 UFC) at UFC 306 on Sept. 14, whereas undefeated Movsar Evloev (18-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) meets former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling (24-4 MMA, 16-4 UFC) at UFC 307 on Oct. 5.

It’s broadly anticipated that Alexander Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) will problem the winner between Topuria and Holloway, however because the queue kinds behind him, the reigning champion named Lopes as essentially the most compelling identify of the bunch.

“In fact, Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes (is the extra possible title eliminator),” Topuria instructed MMA Junkie. “I like the perspective that Diego Lopes brings. He’s at all times respectful with me, so I just like the perspective that he has with me. If he wins, possibly he’s the subsequent one within the line.”

Topuria, 27, made it clear that he’s not involved about which identify the UFC brings him. He is able to filter out the division and stated he can be able to tackle all comers with a victory over Holloway at UFC 308, which he has boldly predicted to finish by first-round knockout in his favor.

“To be sincere, I don’t know,” Topuria stated. “Perhaps it’s Volkanovski. Perhaps it’s Diego Lopes. Perhaps it’s Brian Ortega. However I don’t care. It’s going to be worse for them once they’re going to get the decision and so they’re going to note that they’re going to need to face me. It’s going to be a tough night time for them.”

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