Ilia Topuria: Retirement at 30? The UFC champion’s dream plan

Ilia Topuria: A Bright Future with a Possible Retirement in Mind

Six months ago, before vacating the UFC featherweight championship, Ilia Topuria surprised everyone with a bold statement. “I am 27 years old and I hope to retire at 30,” the fighter stated in an interview. Now, at 28 years old, Topuria is at the top of the sport, positioned as one of the most important names. However, the idea of retirement seems to be a real possibility. Topuria, who will seek to become a two-division champion this Saturday by facing Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title at UFC 317, revealed that his previous comments about retirement were influenced by the difficulty of cutting weight to reach the 145-pound limit. “I was suffering a lot with the weight cut and that was making me hate the whole sport,” Topuria confessed. “Those 10 extra kilos gave me life.” Despite this change, both Topuria and his team see a future with a horizon of only a couple of years. The key lies in the opportunities that arise. With his youth and ambition, Topuria has achieved great things, and now, if he triumphs at UFC 317, the path forward becomes clearer.

Topuria’s Plan: Pimblett and Makhachev in Sight

By January 2027, when he turns 30, Topuria has a well-defined plan. If he manages to defeat Oliveira, don’t be surprised if Paddy Pimblett’s name comes up quickly. The rivalry between Topuria and Pimblett dates back to 2021, fueled by Pimblett’s comments on the 2008 Russo-Georgian War. The fighters nearly came to blows at the event hotel in London. Now, with Pimblett in lightweight and Topuria seeking the title, the confrontation is inevitable.

In a perfect world, Paddy would win and then we would fight. Of course, I would finish him, but I would enjoy that fight, because there are two guys who really want to fight each other. And I would have fun in that because, in reality, I see him as a very, very bad fighter. I know I can dominate him everywhere.

Ilia Topuria

Topuria’s manager, José Díaz, sees this fight as the springboard to Topuria’s stardom in the UFC, comparing it to the historic fight between Conor McGregor and José Aldo. Topuria’s brother and coach, Aleksandre Topuria, assures that the team does not underestimate any UFC rival and will prepare thoroughly for the fight, regardless of provocations. Given the new weight freedom, Topuria anticipates that this fight could take place in Las Vegas, possibly in December.

The Triple Crown Dream: Makhachev in the Equation

A clash with Islam Makhachev, also a champion, could be historic. Makhachev could move up in weight and challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight belt. If Makhachev wins, Topuria would seek the triple crown, competing at 170 pounds. This fight would pit the two best pound-for-pound fighters in the world against each other. Although they are not known for “trash talk”, they have already exchanged provocations. Topuria envisions this fight in Spain, at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium of Real Madrid.

For that fight, they could create another belt and we could fight for the pound-for-pound belt. The PFP.

Ilia Topuria

The fight against Makhachev is a great challenge for Topuria, but his finishing ability and confidence give him a strong chance. The possibility of an event in Spain depends on an agreement with the UFC, as Topuria does not want to fight at unfavorable times for the local audience.

What’s Next? The Possible Retirement and Boxing

Once these goals are met, Topuria’s future is uncertain. The motivation to continue fighting would be in the competition. Boxing is an option for Topuria, but only if he finds the right opponent.

Topuria’s team believes he could retire in peace after achieving these milestones. Topuria’s story is still being written, and his path could lead him to glory or an early retirement, but with a legacy already assured.