Ilia Topuria's coach reveals 'El Matador's' UFC return timeline, targets former lightweight champion as potential opponent 

Ilia Topuria’s coach, Jorge Climent, has revealed the potential date for Topuria’s highly anticipated return. 'El Matador' has been the subject of much speculation regarding a possible move up in weight class. Climent also hinted at a potential opponent the Spaniard might target for his comeback.

After his stunning third-round knockout victory over Max Holloway at UFC 308, the reigning featherweight champion expressed his goal of moving to lightweight to attain double champ status. Despite repeatedly calling out Islam Makhachev, the 155-pound champion has consistently dismissed the idea of granting him a title shot.

In a recent appearance on MMA Pros Pick, Climent revealed that Topuria is targeting a fight in May and is eyeing former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira as a potential opponent. Climent suggested that facing Oliveira, who appears to be next in line for a title shot, could lead the way for Topuria to earn his own opportunity to fight for the belt. Climent stated:

"He's [Makhachev] busy right now, and he wants to fight. Ilia wants to fight in May, you know. If Makhachev is not going to fight, he wants to fight Oliveira, you know, to have the opportunity to fight Makhachev later."

Check out Jorge Climent’s comments below (13:30):

Meanwhile, Makhachev is set to defend his belt against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311.

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Khabib Nurmagomedov believes Ilia Topuria can defeat Charles Oliveira

UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov has weighed in on Ilia Topuria's potential lightweight title aspirations, emphasizing that ‘El Matador’ should not receive a direct shot at the 155-pound belt without first proving himself in the division. Nurmagomedov questioned the fairness of granting Topuria a title opportunity, especially since Islam Makhachev already gave former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski chances on two occasions.

In his appearance on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, ‘The Eagle’ asserted that if Topuria defeats Charles Oliveira, he should then be given a title shot. He also expressed his belief that the Spaniard might defeat Oliveira in a potential fight.

"Without fighting in 155 [pounds]? I don't agree. Because, Islam [Makhachev] already give chance [to the featherweight champion]...But why Islam have to give three-time chance for 145 [pound] champion?...It's not fair for [the lightweight division]. But if [Topuria] moves up and he beats somebody like Charles Oliveira, of course. You know what I think, I think he can beat him."

Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments below: