UFC New Rule Forces Topuria to Vacate Title

Ilia Topuria has vacated his featherweight title to move to the lightweight division, citing difficulties making the 145-pound weight limit and a desire for new challenges. This decision aligns with the UFC's new rule requiring champions to relinquish their title if they wish to compete in a different weight class, aimed at preventing the delays and scheduling issues caused by dual champions. As a result, Alexander Volkanovski will fight Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight belt at UFC 314, with Volkanovski eager to reclaim the title he lost to Topuria. Meanwhile, Topuria is eyeing a fight with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and has expressed interest in facing Dustin Poirier. The UFC's policy change aims to maintain active and competitive divisions, though some argue it limits fighters' ambitions and reduces the excitement of potential superfights.