UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has emphatically dismissed speculation that he will vacate his title to move up to the lightweight division.

Earlier this week, rumors ignited after Topuria hinted at a potential move to the 155-pound weight class.

This prompted immediate reaction from Diego Lopes, a rising featherweight contender, who suggested a title fight against Alexander Volkanovski, assuming the belt would become vacant.

However, Topuria swiftly refuted these claims on Thursday, stating definitively, “I will not leave the title vacant. The decision to move up to the next category is entirely mine.”

He clarified that no formal discussions with the UFC regarding a weight class change have taken place, emphasizing that any future move is solely his prerogative.

Topuria concluded with a defiant statement: “Stop celebrating because I’m not going anywhere. I have conquered my division and I will do the same in the next one.” For now, the featherweight title remains firmly in the possession of “El Matador.”