Coach explains Topuria’s interest in moving up a division in the UFC

Apparently, Ilia Topuria's reign in the featherweight division (66 kg) should end soon. After the Georgian based in Spain himself indicated his likely move up to lightweight (70 kg), now it was the turn of 'El Matador's' coach to confirm the information and explain the reasons behind his pupil's decision.

In an interview with 'Submission Radio', Jorge Climent stated that the exhausting weight cut to perform in the featherweight division is mainly responsible for making the champion consider giving up his belt and changing categories. This is because, according to the coach, Topuria weighs up to 85 kg 'off' – that is, currently, the Georgian cuts around 20 kg to compete.

“Yes, the truth, I think, is that he hates cutting weight. He does this a lot, and it's really hard every time we do it. He doesn't want to do that anymore, and that's why he wants to move up to the next weight class, because he thinks his normal weight is in that weight class. In the beginning, Ilia fought at 61 kg (bantamweight) and he was young. Your body is changing. We decide because he wants to feel better. Sometimes I see Ilia at 85 kg, and he needs to be at 66 (kg). We make a very big weight cut”, revealed Climent.

From the Bronx as your first lightweight rival?

Apparently, Ilia Topuria has already planned his move up to lightweight. So much so that the featherweight champion even seems to have defined who he would like to be his first opponent in the 70 kg Ultimate category. This is Brazilian Charles Do Bronx, former holder of the entity's 70 kg title and number two in the ranking, as the Georgian himself suggested.