It is no easy feat to become a world champion in the UFC. Let alone going through a row of world-class fighters with ease. This has been the tale of the Spanish star Ilia Topuria, who continues to make a statement with each outing. Earlier in the year, Topuria called for the KO of Alexander Volkanvoski. Le-and-behold, he lived up to his claim, putting the Australian out cold before the championship rounds.
As predicted, the Spanish star could outdo Max Holloway in a similar fashion. Before UFC 308, the Hawaiian fighter had never experienced a knockdown, let alone a KO. All that has dramatically changed, earning the respect of Holloway’s former rival, Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier. Reacting to the emphatic win, Poirier called for MMA fans to give the man his props.
I am more than impressed. I am blown away, man. Not that I didn’t think it couldn’t happen. Of course, it can happen. Topuria is an incredible boxer, big power, sits down on all his punches, great technique….Now it is time to give him his flowers, because he is everything he said he was.
Dustin Poirier via ESPN MMA UFC 308 Panel
The Hawaiian star made his UFC debut against Dustin Poirier 12 years ago as the last-second placement. The bout didn’t go his way, which saw The ‘Diamond’ securing an easy first-round submission. Since then, Holloway hasn’t been submitted, let alone stopped via strikes. Moreover, Poirier faced Holloway once more in his career in different weight classes but never managed to get a KO.
It is quite understandable why Poirier seemed so impressed by Topuria’s performance. Incidentally, UFC heavyweight Tom Aspinall made a similar prediction which has now turned into reality. Aspinall believed Topuria’s enormous power would factor into the fight and produce a never-seen-before result. With a win over Max Holloway, Topuria has set his sights on champ-champ status.
Ilia Topuria eyes Islam Makhachev; open to Alexander Volkanovski rematch as well
Time and time again, Ilia Topuria has made his intention clear about moving up to 155lbs. Speaking with the media, the Spanish star put Team Khabib on notice. The featherweight champion doubled down on his previous statement and expressed he has what it takes to beat Islam Makhachev.
During the octagon interview, UFC brought Volkanovski inside the cage for a faceoff. Hinting at a rematch of the duo in 2025, the Spanish star also seemed to be on board with the idea. The duo embraced one another and agreed to rematch in their next fight.
Yes man, we are gonna do it again. You deserve that. You, the man. He defended his title seven times or I don’t know how many times. If someone deserves it, it’s him, so let’s do it, brother.
Ilia Topuria via Octagon Interview UFC 308
THE REMATCH?!
Sign us up for Ilia Topuria vs Alex Volkanovski 2 😍@VisitAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/HmKooYTczl
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) October 26, 2024
😳Ilia Topuria promises to be the first man to submit Islam Makhachev.
“I always looking to achieve that no-one could. Nobody could submit him. I will be the first one to do it.”🥶
🎥 @ufc ▫️ pic.twitter.com/RG5LXXgiqy
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 26, 2024
Ilia Topuria is still unbeaten with a 16-0 record with eight victories in the UFC. He has previously made a successful jump to 155lbs, beating Jai Herbert with a come-from-behind KO. It would be quite interesting to see the Spaniard making the run for a second title if only Dana White allows it. Whatever may be the case, Topuria has definitely cemented his status as an elite striker.
