UFC color commentator Joe Rogan has made his thoughts clear on the future of the UFC's featherweight and lightweight divisions. Rogan is rooting for featherweight champion Ilia Topuria to move up to lightweight and challenge Islam Makhachev for the title.
At the same time, Rogan suggests that former featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski and rising star Diego Lopes should face off for the 145-pound title. This potential matchup has sparked excitement, with many considering it one of the biggest fights to make in the UFC.
“As crazy as it sounds, I hope Ilia goes up to 55. I really do,” Rogan said. “Volkanovski-Diego Lopes (at) 45, Ilia goes up to 55. I don’t care if he only defended the one time or didn’t. Who cares? Let’s go. Let’s f*cking go.”
Will Ilia Topuria move to the Lightweight division?
The speculations about Ilia Topuria's potential move to lightweight started circulating even before his impressive title defense against Max Holloway at UFC 308 in October. Alternatively, a rematch with former champion Alexander Volkanovski, whom Topuria defeated in February 2024 to win the title, is also a possibility.
Islam Makhachev, fresh from a submission victory over Renato Moicano at UFC 311, had initially shown limited interest in facing Ilia Topuria, given his past victories over former featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski. However, with UFC CEO Dana White ruling out an immediate rematch with Arman Tsarukyan, a fight against Topuria might now be a more attractive option for Makhachev.
If Joe Rogan's suggested matchup materializes, Diego Lopes could emerge as a title contender, while Ilia Topuria's potential transition to lightweight would significantly alter the dynamics in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions.
