Aleksandre Topuria wanted to focus on helping his brother, Ilia Topuria, become champion before pursuing his own UFC career. Aleksandre, UFC featherweight champion Ilia's older brother, hasn't competed since a first-round TKO win in May 2023.

UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria wants the biggest fights possible, even if that means fighting champions outside of his natural weight class.

Ilia Topuria has made clear that he wants to move up to lightweight to challenge Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound strap.