Analysis: Rematch or new blood – What’s next for new champ Ilia Topuria?

Ilia Topuria. Photo via UFC (Twitter)

When Ilia Topuria defeated long-time featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at this past weekend’s UFC 298 he ended a dynasty in the division.

The new featherweight champion is one of the most well-rounded and dangerous fighters the weight class has ever seen, and could really have what it takes to hold the 145 lbs strap for a very long time.

Before Saturday UFC 298, however, Topuria claimed that he didn’t want to defend the belt against the division’s top contenders.

“Max (Holloway), Yair (Rodriguez), Brian Ortega, all of them, they can go and retire.”

Let’s take a closer look at the new champion’s possible next opponents!