Diego Lopes, the third-ranked fighter in the UFC featherweight division, explained why Ilia Topuria vacated the featherweight title after moving up to lightweight.
They were very clear with us. They did not say they’re not giving a chance to people that are jumping from division to division. No, if you want to go up a division, you have to leave your title vacant. That is what has been told to all the champions who are thinking of going up a division.
Diego Lopes, quoted by Bloody Elbow
Previously, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev announced his intention to move up to the welterweight or middleweight division and stated he would not retire until he becomes a double champion.
It’s worth noting that on April 13 in Miami, the UFC 314 event will feature a title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes for the featherweight championship.
Lopes last fought in the octagon in September 2024 at UFC 306, where he won a unanimous decision against Brian Ortega. He has a record of 26 wins and six losses.
Volkanovski's last fight was in February 2024 at UFC 298, where he lost to Ilia Topuria by knockout in the second round. He has a record of 26 wins and four losses.