Could Ilia Topuria Become UFC's First Three Division Champion?
Could Ilia Topuria Become UFC's First Three Division Champion?
By Tim Burke October 18, 2024 14:46 GMT+4 min read
UFC featherweight Ilia Topuria has exploded into superstardom in 2024. His defeat of the great Alexander Volkanovski stunned the MMA world. In just a short time, Topuria has cemented himself as one of the most skilled fighters in MMA.
“Beautifully done. Topuria exploded forward with speed and power, like a young Pacquiao. Can beat some Pro Boxers.” Legendary boxing training Teddy Atlas tweeted following Topuria’s knockout of Volkanovski at UFC 298.
Topuria is arguably the greatest boxer on the UFC roster. Combine that with his excellent wrestling, there is an argument to be made that he is the most skilled fighter in the UFC.
In an interview with Shakiel Mahjouri this week Topuria stated his desire to become a three-division champion.
“ Maybe after this one [I could] move up to the lightweight division, and if we still have that fake champion in the welterweight division, Belal, that's an easy one for me.” Topuria stated. In recent weeks he has got under the skin of both the lightweight and welterweight champions. A win over BMF champion Max Holloway raises Topuria’s profile. A knockout win will send him into a level stardom the UFC has not seen since Conor McGregor.
“I feel Ilia is one of the most skilled guys in the UFC.” Sean O’Malley said of his rival on the Timbo and Sugar Show.
Is it possible for Topuria to be a three-division champion? It is too early to tell. He has a knockout win at lightweight in the UFC. His power certainly translates. A fight with Makhachev is something that Topuria is targeting for 2025.
Is it likely that the UFC will give Topuria the option to fight for the title at a higher weight class so quickly? Other than Conor McGregor we have not seen the UFC hand out those opportunities so quickly before. Fortunately for Topuria, if Makhachev beats Arman Tsarukyan he will have cleaned out the lightweight division and will be seeking a new opponent. The lightweight division needs new blood.
Ilia Topuria's remarkable rise in the UFC, highlighted by his stunning victory over Alexander Volkanovski, positions him as a formidable contender with aspirations of becoming a three-division champion. His exceptional skills and knockout power suggest he could soon reach unprecedented levels of stardom within the sport. Only time will tell. One thing is for sure: Topuria is a must-watch fighter in the UFC right now.
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