Former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria explained this week that a direct promise from UFC executives was what convinced him to vacate his featherweight title.

Topuria, fresh off back-to-back knockouts of former champions Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, relinquished the 145-pound belt with eyes set firmly on lightweight gold.

“That was the promise when I vacated the title because I’m going for [the lightweight belt],” Topuria said after WOW 17 on March 27.

Topuria emphasized the UFC’s assurances regarding his future as the main reason behind his decision, which is based on pure trust in Dana White’s organization.

“I could’ve done it another way like, ‘I’m going to wait until they send a contract to sign, then I’ll vacate the title…’” Topuria said. “Everything they’ve promised me, they fulfilled.“

Topuria confirmed that his next fight will indeed be for the lightweight title, although the opponent remains unclear.

“I have no idea (who’s next),” Topuria said at the same event. “I’d like to tell you otherwise, but I’m also with that doubt, I do not know when it’s going to happen…

“The only thing I know is that I’m preparing myself, I’m ready for any opportunity that appears, so what Dana White and the whole UFC team decides, I’ll be there to do my part.”

The Spaniard hasn’t been shy about calling out lightweight stars Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira, accusing both of dodging a showdown with him.