Ilia Topuria is on maybe essentially the most spectacular knockout streak in trendy UFC historical past.
After making his mark within the featherweight division, incomes back-to-back KOs in opposition to Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, ‘El Matador’ made the transfer as much as light-weight at UFC 317, decided to beat a complete new weight class.
Topuria did precisely that, touchdown a surprising first-round end in opposition to ex-titleholder Charles Oliveira, capturing the 155-pound crown and etching his title within the historical past books.
With the win over ‘Do Bronx’ in Las Vegas, Topuria has established himself as one of the crucial feared fighters in all of combined martial arts. However based on veritable knockout artist Josh Emmett, Topuria’s capacity to sleep the most effective fighters on this planet has way more to do along with his impeccable footwork than the facility he possesses.
“From a pure energy standpoint, I’ve been hit tougher by others,” Emmett advised MMA Junkie. “Dan Ige and Christos Giagos hit actually exhausting. However Ilia’s footwork and positioning make him harmful.”
If anybody on the market is aware of a factor or two about knockout energy, it’s Emmett. Simply ask Bryce Mitchell.
Is ‘The Baddy’ Subsequent for Ilia Topuria?
What’s subsequent for Ilia Topuria following UFC 317 stays to be seen, but when ‘El Matador’ will get his want, he’ll lastly get an opportunity to place his fist by the face of rising light-weight contender Paddy Pimblett.
Topuria and Pimblett have been buying and selling barbs on social media and in interviews for years. The 2 lastly went face-to-face instantly following Topuria’s defeat of Oliveira — an incident that sparked widespread intrigue amongst struggle followers. Sadly, Dana White was not amused with the encounter, suggesting that Pimblett has somewhat extra work to do earlier than securing his first shot at UFC gold.
A current rumor perpetuated by middleweight titleholder Dricus du Plessis claimed that Pimblett can be paired up with former interim champion Justin Gaethje at UFC 319 in August, the winner seemingly shifting on to problem Topuria in late 2025 or early 2026.
Pimblett went on to utterly deny the declare on X. After all, it wouldn’t be the primary time a fighter denied a rumor that turned out to be true.
