Ilia Topuria Ascends to UFC’s P4P Throne: A New Era Begins

The landscape of the UFC’s pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings has shifted dramatically following Ilia Topuria’s stunning knockout victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. This win not only secured Topuria the vacant lightweight title but also propelled him to the top of the P4P rankings, surpassing Islam Makhachev. As the first unbeaten two-division champion in UFC history, Topuria’s rise marks a new era in the sport, with fans and analysts alike buzzing about his potential to become the next big star in mixed martial arts.

Ilia Topuria’s journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. The 28-year-old fighter, of Georgian descent and now a national sporting hero in Spain, has quickly become the breakout star the UFC needed in 2025. His victory over Oliveira showcased not only his incredible punching power but also his resilience and technical prowess. Despite facing adversity early in the fight, Topuria managed to shake off an early forearm smash and reverse a potentially vulnerable grappling battle to secure the top position on the ground.

Topuria’s boxing skills are particularly noteworthy, as they appear to be the most clinical and violent the UFC has ever seen. His ability to deliver crushing hooks from the perfect distance, without sacrificing torque and precision, sets him apart from his peers. This technical mastery was evident in his knockout victories over Alex Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and now Oliveira.

With his newfound status as the top-ranked P4P fighter, the question now becomes: who will be Topuria’s next opponent? The UFC has a trio of deserving contenders in mind for his 155-pound title reign: Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, and Paddy Pimblett. Each of these fighters brings their own unique challenges and fan appeal, making the decision a difficult one for the UFC brass.

Topuria’s potential to become the first UFC fighter to attempt to win a title in a third weight division is also a topic of much speculation. His ability to dominate at both featherweight and lightweight suggests that he could indeed make a run at a third title, though such a feat would be unprecedented in the sport.

The latest UFC P4P rankings reflect the seismic shift caused by Topuria’s rise. Here’s a look at the top contenders:

Record: 18-0 | Previous ranking: No. 2 Topuria’s knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 solidified his position as the new face of the UFC. His technical and explosive boxing skills have the potential to make him the biggest MMA star since Conor McGregor.

Record: 27-1 | Previous ranking: No. 1 Despite vacating his 155-pound title, Makhachev remains a formidable force. He is expected to challenge new welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena this fall, aiming to equal Anderson Silva’s UFC record of 16 consecutive wins.

Record: 20-4 | Previous ranking: 3 Dvalishvili continues to dominate at 135 pounds, with recent victories over Umar Nurmagomedov and Sean O’Malley. His improved striking and cardio make him a complete fighter and a formidable titleholder.

Record: 31-5 | Previous ranking: No. 5 Pantoja’s recent submission victory over Kai Kara-France at UFC 317 moved him to the top of the flyweight division. He now holds the most victories, finishes, and submissions in flyweight history.

Record: 22-2 | Previous ranking: 4 Du Plessis continues to impress with his forward pressure style, recently outpointing Sean Strickland in their title rematch. He faces an upcoming showdown with unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev in August.

The women’s division also saw some movement in the rankings, with Valentina Shevchenko maintaining her top spot:

Record: 24-4-1 | Previous ranking: No. 1 Shevchenko’s recent victory over Manon Fiorot further cemented her legacy. With 10 title wins, she continues to be a dominant force in the flyweight division.

Record: 25-3 | Previous ranking: No. 2 Zhang’s dominant performance against Tatiana Suarez showcased her continued growth as a fighter. A potential superfight with Valentina Shevchenko could be on the horizon.

Record: 19-1 | Previous ranking: 3 Harrison’s victory over Juianna Pena at UFC 316 was a testament to her perseverance. A future showdown with Amanda Nunes is anticipated.

Q: Who is Ilia Topuria? A: Ilia Topuria is a 28-year-old mixed martial artist of Georgian descent, born in Germany and now residing in Spain. He is the first unbeaten two-division champion in UFC history, holding titles in both featherweight and lightweight divisions.

Q: How did Topuria become the top-ranked P4P fighter? A: Topuria’s knockout victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 secured him the vacant lightweight title and propelled him to the top of the P4P rankings. His technical boxing skills and resilience in the face of adversity were key factors in his success.

Q: Who are the potential next opponents for Topuria? A: The UFC is considering Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, and Paddy Pimblett as potential opponents for Topuria’s next title defense.

Q: What is the significance of Topuria’s rise in the UFC? A: Topuria’s rise marks a new era in the UFC, with his potential to become the next big star and possibly the first fighter to attempt a title in a third weight division.

Ilia Topuria’s rise to the top of the UFC’s P4P rankings is a testament to his skill, resilience, and potential. As the first unbeaten two-division champion in UFC history, Topuria has set a new standard for excellence in the sport. With his technical boxing skills and explosive power, he is poised to become the next big star in mixed martial arts. The UFC’s decision on his next opponent will be crucial in determining the trajectory of his career and the future of the lightweight division.