Alexander Volkanovski’s coach, Joe Lopez, doesn’t suppose UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has earned the proper to combat for a second belt simply but.
Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC), who’s coming off back-to-back knockouts of Volkanovski and Max Holloway, expressed curiosity in transferring as much as light-weight to problem champ Islam Makhachev.
Volkanovski is at present campaigning for a title-fight rematch with Topuria and is even keen to face Diego Lopes for an interim title if he doesn’t get his want instantly. Volkanovski failed in his bid to grow to be twin champion when he challenged Makhachev for the light-weight title at UFC 284 however not earlier than defending his featherweight title 4 occasions.
“That’s nice (Topuria eyeing Makhachev), however you’ve received to have – like with anyone, you’ve received to have not less than 5 – 6 title defenses earlier than you begin doubling up,” Lopez informed Submission Radio. “You’re simply holding up divisions. Once you’ve cleared out a division, then you definately’ve received the proper to leap up a division.
“Till then, you’ve simply received to combat the trigger in your division, you recognize? I suppose it’s like leaping the queue, and also you wish to have the title shot earlier than anyone else that’s above you, you recognize? However it’s simply human nature, I suppose. Everyone needs that double-champ standing as a result of it’s very uncommon to get.”
Volkanovski pushed Makhachev to the brink of their first light-weight title combat at UFC 284 however fell quick. He then defended his featherweight title a fifth time by ending Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290, which earned him a short-notice alternative towards Makhachev a second time at UFC 294. Nevertheless, Volkanovski was knocked out within the first spherical.
Topuria went so far as saying he’d be the primary to submit Makhachev. Whereas Lopez thinks it’s a daring declare, he doesn’t fault Topuria for his confidence.
“Islam, he’s superb hanging, and he’s received good wrestling, too,” Lopez stated. “And he’s the larger man, so who is aware of? Look, you’ll be able to’t take that manner from Ilia as a result of what he’s stated, he’s been doing. So, he may simply be the primary man to do it (submit Makhachev). So, you’ll be able to’t take that away from him.”
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