Demetrious Johnson doesn’t think Ilia Topuria will remain an MMA fighter for too much longer.
The 28-year-old just became a two-weight champion by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
It seems like the new UFC pound-for-pound number one is just getting started in the sport.
However, Ilia Topuria could call it a day in a couple of years, according to the recently retired former UFC flyweight champion.
- READ MORE: Ilia Topuria branded ‘scared’ and accused of running from deserving lightweight contender
Demetrious Johnson makes Ilia Topuria retirement prediction
Demetrious Johnson dominated the lower weight classes for years before calling it quits in September 2024.
The 38-year-old flyweight GOAT believes Topuria will follow him out of the sport in the not-too-distant future.
“I think he’s a unicorn,” Johnson said on his YouTube channel.
“I see him fighting maybe three or four more times, maybe five max, and he’s gonna disappear.
“Undefeated, he could be a potential Khabib [Nurmagomedov].
“Someone who just leaves the sport, like, ‘I’m done. I don’t need to prove anything.
“Won the belt at 145, 155, and s—, potentially he could fight at 170 too.”
Ilia Topuria’s list of potential opponents
Ilia Topuria faced off with Paddy Pimblett in the immediate aftermath of his win at UFC 317.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that ‘The Baddy’ will get the next crack at 155lb gold.
Arman Tsarukyan is the number one contender at lightweight and deserves a title shot.
A falling out with UFC CEO Dana White means he could be overlooked for Topuria’s next fight.
Former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje is also in the mix, but threatening to retire if he’s not granted a title shot won’t have done him any favors.
Only time will tell who the UFC and Topuria will decide to book as his next opponent.