Media Ilia Topuria changes tune, pitches Diego Lopes as possible next challenger

[HNIC215]

Levels to this shit...

 

[Lawrence]

​

A lot can change in a day.

During the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s media day for UFC 312, current featherweight kingpin Ilia Topuria (16-0)—who is in Australia cornering brother Aleksandre Topuria—suggested that he had one name in mind if he remained at 145 pounds: Alexander Volkanovski. He also continued floating the idea of moving up to lightweight to challenge Islam Makhachev. On Thursday, however, Topuria informed Sherdog he had a different name in mind.

Ilia Topuria Changes Tune, Pitches Diego Lopes as Possible Next Challenger

A lot can change in a day.

www.sherdog.com

“Diego [Lopes] has this profile, he is aggressive and brings dynamism to the Octagon,” Topuria said to the surprise of some. “He does what the public wants to see: he fights for real, not to simply survive. And that’s what I want for my next fight. I don’t want an opponent who just controls the pace, I want someone who really challenges me.”

Whether this means Topuria has changed course, or if he is intentionally giving different outlets different answers to generate confusion or interest, it is unclear. What is clear, however, is how Topuria views the unbeaten Russian Movsar Evloev.

“I fight to entertain the fans,” the Spanish fighter by way of Georgia said confidently. “I don’t want someone who just seeks victory by any means necessary. I need someone who has something relevant to show. Movsar has victories, but they are decisions, and he doesn’t submit anyone. I can knock him out in the first round. For me, what matters is a fight that excites people, that has something impactful.”

Given the champion’s statements, Sherdog reached out to Lopes, who did not expect Topuria to speak about him so complimentarily.

“I think those comments caught everyone by surprise since he had said he was going to defend his title against Volkanovski for his next fight, but who knows. [A] fight with him for the title next would be perfect, let’s see what UFC will decide. In case Topuria truly decides to move up to 155, I’d like to fight against Volkanovski, whether it’s a title fight or not, or an interim title. I’d want to fight him. If he’s going to be left without a fight, I’m here,” the Brazilian concluded.

Spoiler

@Neck&Neck
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It’s a crafty move to call out Lopez now.

He is getting better every time out.

 

[Fergelmince]

Also, when you save boring fighters like that for last, it automatically hypes there eventual title job.

There's always a bunch of guys desperate for the wrestler to get the title shot for some reason.

good point.

 

[outbreak92]

Movsar beat lopes already and he's been more active

 

[AmonTobin]

Champions shouldn’t get to pick.

 

[FreedomCricket]

Why do people dislike Topuria's attitude.

He's literally making the case for a JBG disciple to get the next title shot because that's how he wants to fight. Instead of boring crotch sniffers.

 

[FreedomCricket]

Movsar beat lopes already and he's been more active

Lopes has been way more active. Movsar has had like 4 fights since he fought Lopes and Lopes has fought 6 or 7 times IIRC.

 

[Blanqa Blanqua]

I want to see both fights. Whichever one is first I don't care. Just give me both of those fights in a timely manner.

This!

 

[MUSTANG!]

Lopes is a danger to everybody in the first round. I rather see this fight compared to Volk rematch.

 

[El Panteron]

Movsar beat lopes already and he's been more active

Lopes won that fight and I'll die on this hill

 

[Only Here for Attachments]

Seems like a gigantic step down from Volk and Max

 

[AL-Tappo McSnappo]

​

A lot can change in a day.

During the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s media day for UFC 312, current featherweight kingpin Ilia Topuria (16-0)—who is in Australia cornering brother Aleksandre Topuria—suggested that he had one name in mind if he remained at 145 pounds: Alexander Volkanovski. He also continued floating the idea of moving up to lightweight to challenge Islam Makhachev. On Thursday, however, Topuria informed Sherdog he had a different name in mind.

Ilia Topuria Changes Tune, Pitches Diego Lopes as Possible Next Challenger

A lot can change in a day.

www.sherdog.com

“Diego [Lopes] has this profile, he is aggressive and brings dynamism to the Octagon,” Topuria said to the surprise of some. “He does what the public wants to see: he fights for real, not to simply survive. And that’s what I want for my next fight. I don’t want an opponent who just controls the pace, I want someone who really challenges me.”

Whether this means Topuria has changed course, or if he is intentionally giving different outlets different answers to generate confusion or interest, it is unclear. What is clear, however, is how Topuria views the unbeaten Russian Movsar Evloev.

“I fight to entertain the fans,” the Spanish fighter by way of Georgia said confidently. “I don’t want someone who just seeks victory by any means necessary. I need someone who has something relevant to show. Movsar has victories, but they are decisions, and he doesn’t submit anyone. I can knock him out in the first round. For me, what matters is a fight that excites people, that has something impactful.”

Given the champion’s statements, Sherdog reached out to Lopes, who did not expect Topuria to speak about him so complimentarily.

“I think those comments caught everyone by surprise since he had said he was going to defend his title against Volkanovski for his next fight, but who knows. [A] fight with him for the title next would be perfect, let’s see what UFC will decide. In case Topuria truly decides to move up to 155, I’d like to fight against Volkanovski, whether it’s a title fight or not, or an interim title. I’d want to fight him. If he’s going to be left without a fight, I’m here,” the Brazilian concluded.

Spoiler

@Neck&Neck
@Arqueto @BroRogan @Carl Drogo @lsa
@StonedLemur @Fight Professor @TerrorTimmy @Elvis. @ryun253 @don't ask @C0NCH3TO @MEAN357 @Cooliox @mudrubble @Bobby Boulders @Simple Southerner @svmr_db @Luthien @BoxerMaurits @Neck&Neck @SeattleFightFan @Ares Black @SalvadorAllende @Arm Barbarian @Blanqa Blanqua @Royce's Gi @Cooliox @Krixes @MXZT @wisdom blows @nonoob @Mohawk Banditó @JKS @SuperNerd @2004 account @Mammothman @Bushwhacker B @Siver! @TITS @Cowboy Kurt Angle @Jose Beehive @MEAN357 @NoBiasJustMMA @FlyingDeathKick @Doughie99 @13Seconds @CPH @Kenny Powerth @OldBoy91 @Kryptt @Paynebringer @HI SCOTT NEWMAN @Poirierfan @SenorFranko @MMALOPEZ @Hellowhosthat @Get To Da Choppa @BangBang @Substance Abuse @John makfresshi @Islam Imamate @Wong_Wongster_Irish @TCE @Jackonfire @helax @Iroh

However he fights next, i am looking forward to watching him perform again.

He is the best boxer style mma fighter right now imo

Yea we get it, you dislike that Eloev won’t fight into your strengths and that might cause you to lose. Understandable.

Movsar all day, Lopes can be next in line after Movsar

ilia is a great fighter, i like watching him fight but his ducking is annoying, he is openly ducking the no. 1 contender, he has to fight Movsar end of story.

Islam will return in June but i doubt he will lack opponents to the point he will need to fight ilia.

 

[Nausicaa]

Would love to see Topuria beat Movsar and Lopez and then move up to 155 permanently

 

[Kowboy On Sherdog]

 

[CC27]

I think most want a fresh fight but I'm ok with Volk because of what he's done. But hopefully Topuria gets in there in April or May and atleast gives two fights a year.

 

[Roop Holstry]

People give Movsar a lot of shit but his last 3 fights were great. His opponents did play a part in the excitement level but either way they were all entertaining to me.

He is a decisionator though. A big finish would do wonders on his resume. He should be next for Topuria.

I think that Diego would get messed up by Topuria. Diego is dangerous and Topurias defense could be a liability but I see Topuria getting the tko

 

[Söze Aldo]

He's one of the few strikers in MMA who is legit throwing combinations.

 

[HuskySamoan]

Also, when you save boring fighters like that for last, it automatically hypes there eventual title job.

There's always a bunch of guys desperate for the wrestler to get the title shot for some reason.

Probably because we care about the integrity of the sport. Who do you want to get the shot, the 19-0 guy that's 9-0 in the UFC or the 24-6 guy that the 19-0 guy already beat? Are you guys fucking dense? It's like Merab, Khabib, Islam etc being on these giant ass win streaks before their title shots. Usually wrestlers get ducked and have to take the long road.

 

[Greyscale]

wtf who needs that fight. Dude just destroyed 2 divisional GOATs back-to-back. Flatline Makhachev next!

 

[Siver!]

Probably because we care about the integrity of the sport. Who do you want to get the shot, the 19-0 guy that's 9-0 in the UFC or the 24-6 guy that the 19-0 guy already beat? Are you guys fucking dense? It's like Merab, Khabib, Islam etc being on these giant ass win streaks before their title shots. Usually wrestlers get ducked and have to take the long road.

See, that's bullshit about "integrity of the sport".

"Integrity of the sport" is always the crybaby bit fans give when the boring, less active guy isn't equally revered by everyone else. Sorry.

Movsar has managed to fight 9 times in 68 months.
Diego has fought 6 times in 28 months.

Movsar's credentials: 0 finishes, rarely fights, but does he deserve a title shot, sure.

If anything, a rematch would make sense to be the number one contender, but we know that's not how the UFC works. There's always got to be a challenger in hand. Topuria-Movsar, Topuria-Diego, it really doesn't make much difference and it isn't worth crying over - the winner of the title fight will face the other guy immediately after and no one will give a shit.