Michael Bisping thinks Ilia Topuria leaving featherweight worked out well for Alexander Volkanovski. Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) decided to vacate his 145-pound title for a move up to lightweight after back-to-back knockouts of Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) and Max Holloway.

Dana White explains Ilia Topuria’s title relinquishment and how there's no guarantee that he will fight Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title.

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Alexander Volkanovski can become UFC featherweight champion again without avenging his loss to Ilia Topuria. UFC CEO Dana White announced Wednesday evening that Volkanovski will fight Diego Lopes for the vacant title at UFC 314.

Topuria, 28, now heads to the perpetually stacked lightweight division to dethrone the champion, Uncrowned's pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter Islam Makhachev. Or at least, that's the expectation. Speaking to media after UFC Seattle on Saturday, White stated that Topuria's next step isn't finalized just yet.

Dana White dismisses rumors about the UFC forcing Ilia Topuria to vacate the featherweight title, calling the speculation completely false.

Dana White details what led to Ilia Topuria vacating his featherweight title with no guarantees that his next fight comes against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.