Ilia Topuria made history at UFC 308 by becoming the first to knock out Max Holloway. It was his first-ever featherweight title defense, and it couldn’t have gone any better. In addition to his prior title win against Alexander Volkanovski in February, it was an incredible year for the ‘El Matador.’ This has put him in a close contest with light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira for the ‘Fighter of the Year’ race.
At UFC 308, Topuria did everything that he had promised to the fight fans. From initiating the point-down move to knocking out Holloway, his confidence was different. UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier got the opportunity to see it all live from the commentary table and was extremely impressed. According to DC, Topuria’s latest win has definitely put him above Alex Pereira in the ‘Fighter of the Year’ table.
He just beat two of the greatest featherweights of all time in a calendar year. Ilia Topuria is the fighter of the year…In my opinion, there’s no question to be asked.
Daniel Cormier via his YouTube channel
Volkanovski and Holloway are two of the most successful featherweights in the promotion’s history. DC claimed that to equal that, Pereira would have to beat himself and Jon Jones in one year. Though ‘Poatan’ fought three times and finished all his opponents, the caliber of fighters was definitely different.
Topuria and Pereira were incredible this year, and fans loved them because of their ability to beat opponents. According to Sean O’Malley, Topuria’s UFC 308 performance reminded him of Pereira. Fans have already started their debate around the topic, and the race seems close.
Ilia Topuria talks about his contest with Alex Pereira in the ‘Fight of the Year’ award
Apart from beating the likes of Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree, champion Alex Pereira was responsible for saving multiple boring cards. He was already there to jump in as a last-minute main event wherever UFC called him. His calm and cold-blooded personality made him a fan favorite and pay-per-view superstar.
On the contrary, Topuria has been a loudmouth every time he fought anybody. He made some ridiculous claims which were made fun of by the fans. However, the fighter could back up the trash-talking, and UFC 308 was a great example. Topuria isn’t concerned about the ‘Fighter of the Year’ status and discussed his chances.
Let’s leave that pick to the fans or the people involved in the voting. If they choose me as Fighter of the Year, I’ll be very happy, but I don’t know.
Ilia Topuria via ESPN MMA
⚡️🤝Ilia Topuria comments on whether he deserves ‘Fighter of the Year’ more than Alex Pereira:
“Let’s leave that pick to the fans or the people involved in the voting. If they choose me as Fighter of the Year, I’ll be very happy, but I don’t know.'”
🎥 @espnmma ▫️ pic.twitter.com/2WVbUxJZPT
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 26, 2024
On the other hand, Topuria is currently interested in extending his legacy by fighting for double champion status. He has stated that he would become the first individual to submit the lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in the future. However, Dana White believes the fighter might have some unfinished business in the featherweight division.
