Ilia Topuria sees Diego Lopes as a candidate for the title fight

The UFC featherweight division may be undergoing significant changes in the final quarter of 2024, and Ilia Topuria is keeping an eye on it all.

Two high-profile matches await Topuria (15-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) ahead of his scheduled title defense against Max Holloway (26-7 MMA, 22-7 UFC) at UFC 308 on October 26 in Abu Dhabi.

Former title challenger Brian Ortega (16-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) will face red-hot Diego Lopes (24-6 MMA, 4-1 UFC) on September 14 at UFC 306, while undefeated Movsar Evloev (18-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) will face former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling (24-4 MMA, 16-4 UFC) on October 5 at UFC 307.

Alexander Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) is widely expected to challenge the winner of the Topuria-Holloway clash, but as the line formed behind him, the reigning champion named Lopes as the most compelling name of the bunch.

“Obviously Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes (is the more likely title eliminator),” Topuria told MMA Junkie. “I love the attitude that Diego Lopes has. He’s always respectful to me, so I like his attitude toward me. If he wins, he might be next in line.”

Topuria, 27, made it clear that he doesn’t care what name the UFC brings him. He is ready to vacate the division and said he would be willing to take on any challenger if he beats Holloway at UFC 308. He boldly predicted the fight will end in his favor with a first-round knockout.

“To be honest, I don’t know,” Topuria said. “Maybe it’s Volkanovski. Maybe it’s Diego Lopes. Maybe it’s Brian Ortega. But I don’t care. It’s going to be even worse for them when they get the call and realize they have to face me. It’s going to be a tough night for them.”

For more information on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 308.