I Will Transition to Boxing and Surprise Many: Ilia Topuria

The current UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has announced his desire to test his skills in boxing. The 28-year-old fighter boasts 17 victories and no losses in MMA. His words are quoted by Marca.

"It’s no secret that I have always wanted to try my skills in boxing, but I have always followed this principle: whoever wants to hunt two hares with one bullet, eventually hunts none. That’s why I want to finish my career in mixed martial arts (MMA) first, and as soon as I do, I will fully focus on boxing, because I can’t prepare for an MMA fight, then switch to boxing, and then return again. I think that wouldn’t be very professional, right?

Boxing requires a completely different approach, very, very, very different training that I need to adapt to. It’s clear that these are different sports, and at the end of the day, this is not an octagon, but a ring, and I need to adjust to that, and that takes time, as everything in life does.

That’s why I am currently focused on mixed martial arts, and frankly, I don’t think I will stay in this sport for long after I finish. I will transition to boxing and surprise many,

" he stated.

It is worth noting that Topuria has taken a brief hiatus due to personal issues. During his absence, Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje will fight for the interim title in the UFC lightweight division at UFC 324, which will take place in Las Vegas, USA, on January 25, 2026. According to UFC President Dana White, the winner of this fight will get a title shot against Topuria.