Topuria's move up sparks debate over who is the best lightweight

Ilia Topuria, the undefeated UFC fighter who captured lightweight gold with a knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June, finds himself at the center of a widening debate over his next move in the sport and whether he truly ranks as the world’s best lightweight. Since becoming a two-division champion after earlier holding featherweight gold, Topuria’s rise has prompted calls for blockbuster matchups, criticism from rival camps and pointed defenses from peers and pundits alike.

Topuria, who is undefeated at 17-0 according to UFC records, has publicly teased the possibility of moving up after claiming the 155-pound title. That prospect drew an immediate rebuke from Ben Vickers, head coach of welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena. Speaking on Submission Radio, Vickers said Topuria should remain at his current weight and not jump to 170 pounds to face Della Maddalena. Vickers called Topuria “my height and I’m a midget,” adding that a fight with Della Maddalena would be a “very bad decision” because the two fighters have similar styles but Maddalena is a bit bigger.

Vickers also conceded Topuria’s growing stature in the sport, saying the champion will soon be able to “do...