After a stunning debut in the UFC, featherweight fighter Ilia Topuria is already making waves in the MMA world. With an impressive record of 11-0, Topuria has quickly become a rising star in the promotion. As fans and analysts alike speculate on who his first title defense will be against, there is speculation that the UFC may consider going off the board for his next opponent.

Traditionally, the UFC matches up champions with the top contenders in their respective divisions. However, there have been instances where the promotion has gone off the board and matched up champions with unexpected opponents. This can create excitement and intrigue for fans, as they are treated to matchups that they may not have anticipated.

In Topuria’s case, there are a few potential off-the-board options that the UFC could consider for his first title defense. One possibility is matching him up against a fighter from a different weight class, such as a lightweight or bantamweight contender. This would provide a unique challenge for Topuria and could showcase his skills against fighters from different divisions.

Another option could be to match Topuria up against a veteran fighter who may not be ranked in the top five of the featherweight division, but who has a strong following and a proven track record in the sport. This could create a compelling storyline for the fight and generate interest from fans who may not have been familiar with Topuria before.

Ultimately, the decision on who Topuria will face in his first title defense will be up to the UFC matchmakers. While they typically stick to the rankings when determining matchups, there is always room for surprises and unexpected choices. Whether the promotion decides to go off the board for Topuria’s first title defense or not, one thing is for certain – fans will be eagerly anticipating his next fight and looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this talented young fighter.