Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) relinquished his featherweight title for a move up to 155 pounds. With the belt now vacant, Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes will battle it out to crown a new champion at UFC 314 on April 12.

Former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier says Ilia Topuria deserves an immediate shot at Islam Makhachev after vacating his featherweight crown.

Perennial contender Dustin Poirier has weighed in on Ilia Topuria's lightweight move. The former UFC interim lightweight champion used to be a featherweight like Topuria, moving up to 155lbs after a 2014 loss to Conor McGregor before hitting his stride in the years that followed.

Dustin Poirier gives his reaction to Ilia Topuria moving up to his division after vacating the UFC featherweight title.

Dustin Poirier believes Ilia Topuria should receive a crack at the UFC lightweight title right away.

Dustin Poirier has nothing but respect for Ilia Topuria’s recent decision to move up without holding up a division. In Poirier’s opinion, the former featherweight champion should get a direct title shot without further proving his worth against any of the top lightweight contenders.