Ilia Topuria will defend his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje at the UFC: White House event on June 14. The 29-year-old says his perfect plan is to win that fight and then move up to chase a third UFC belt at 170 pounds.
Topuria’s plan for a third belt
Topuria said he wants to achieve more in the sport. He told media that his ideal path is simple: beat Justin Gaethje in his first lightweight title defense, then move up to the welterweight division to try to win another title.
He called winning a third belt the biggest achievement a fighter can reach. If he follows that plan, Topuria would try to add a welterweight title to his collection right after defending the lightweight crown.
Big night at UFC: White House
The event on June 14 will feature at least two major title fights. Topuria vs. Gaethje is on the card, and in the co-main event Alex Pereira will fight Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.
Pereira is a former middleweight and light-heavyweight champion. He has moved up to heavyweight and now has a chance to add another title. That makes the card one of the most important nights on the UFC calendar.
Roadblocks and legacy talk
No fighter in UFC history has won titles in three different weight classes. If Topuria succeeds, it would be a major moment for his legacy.
One obvious obstacle is the current welterweight champion, Islam Makhachev. Makhachev once held the lightweight belt and now sits at the top of the sport. He is ranked No. 1 on the pound-for-pound list and has been in very good form for years.
A fight between Topuria and Makhachev would be a huge matchup if it ever happens. Both men have been dominant in recent years, so the bout would draw strong interest from fans and pundits.
Topuria’s June 14 title defense is the first step. After that night, he hopes to move quickly toward another shot at UFC history.
