Ilia Topuria could have a new threat as top-10 UFC featherweight contender announces he is moving up

The group of top fighters hunting Ilia Topuria at 155 pounds is growing.

‘El Matador’ is early into his UFC lightweight title reign, having followed a brief stint as featherweight champion with immediate title glory up a division.

Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 this past June and a number of big names in the weight class have been vying for the first shot at unseating the Spanish star ever since.

The lightweight roster is not short on top contenders, with UFC Qatar headliners Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker looking to rival Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje in the race for a title opportunity.

But just months after Topuria’s arrival, those names could soon be joined by another elite name from below.

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Arnold Allen reveals lightweight plan as he targets first fight in 16 months

Arnold Allen currently sits one spot outside the featherweight top five, having cemented his place near the top of the division with a decision victory over Giga Chikadze at UFC 304 in July 2024.

‘Almighty’ has been out of action since that performance, however, after suffering a significant injury to his shoulder.

The period of recovery and rehabilitation that Allen has undergone to return to the Octagon has led him to choose a major career change.

The English fighter recently responded to a page on social media confirming his plan to move up to lightweight. Allen also re-shared his comment making the announcement on his Instagram Stories.

“I’m going to lightweight because I’ve put on a lot of muscle mass rebuilding my shoulder,” Allen wrote.

“It’ll be tough to make 145 again,” he added.