Ilia Topuria, the rising star of the UFC, is making waves with his audacious claims and unparalleled confidence. As he prepares to chase his second UFC title at UFC 317, Topuria is already setting his sights on a third. While the idea of winning titles in three different weight classes might sound far-fetched to some, Topuria’s unwavering belief in his abilities makes it seem almost plausible.
Topuria’s Recent Achievements and Ambitions
Topuria has recently made headlines with his bold statement that he would challenge Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title if Makhachev were to win it. This ambition is not just about becoming the UFC’s first three-division champion; it’s about dethroning the sport’s current pound-for-pound king. When asked why he believes he can achieve what no one else has, especially against a fighter as highly regarded as Makhachev, Topuria simply asks, “Why not?”
Topuria’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. After vacating the UFC featherweight championship following victories over Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski—two of the greatest 145-pound champions of all time—Topuria cited the difficulty of making weight cuts as his reason for moving up to lightweight. However, he now believes he is fully capable of bridging the significant 25-pound gap between featherweight and welterweight.
“I used to train with people who fought in the welterweight division. I felt very good,” Topuria said. “We had very competitive rounds and I felt I could dominate and knock out anyone in this world. When it comes to fighting, I feel I’m the best fighter in the world.”
Topuria’s confidence is not just bravado; it stems from a deep-seated belief in his skills and abilities. He is unapologetic about his ambitions and is willing to take risks to achieve them. “If I go to the street and someone says something to my wife, I won’t ask for his weight, height, and reach. I will go all in. In this case, I’m going to get paid and win another world title. Why not take the risk?” he said.
The Road Ahead for Topuria
Before Topuria can face Makhachev for the welterweight title, several prerequisites must be met. First and foremost, Topuria must defeat Charles Oliveira in his upcoming bout. Only then will the idea of another weight class jump be considered seriously. Additionally, Makhachev is not yet officially booked to fight welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, despite proposing a timeline and location for their potential clash. Finally, UFC matchmakers must approve and facilitate the fight.
If Makhachev fails at welterweight, Topuria has stated that he will prioritize welcoming him back to lightweight. This scenario underscores the complexity and uncertainty of the UFC’s matchmaking process, where fighters’ ambitions often depend on the outcomes of other fights and the decisions of the organization’s matchmakers.
The Significance of Topuria’s Potential Achievements
Topuria’s ambitions, while seemingly unattainable, challenge the boundaries of what is possible in the UFC. If he were to win titles in three different weight classes, it would be an unprecedented feat in the history of the sport. Even if the welterweight title fight does not materialize, defeating Volkanovski, Holloway, Oliveira, and Makhachev would rank among the best four-fight stretches in MMA history.
Topuria’s confidence and determination are reminiscent of other legendary fighters who have left an indelible mark on the sport. While he has not yet dominated a division like Jon Jones or racked up title defenses like Anderson Silva, Topuria has the potential to stand apart from nearly every UFC champion if he follows through on his ambitions.
“If they mention me as one of the greatest of all time, I will be happy,” Topuria said. “I don’t want to be selfish. We have many, many athletes who’ve done many great things for this sport. All the credit goes to everyone. There’s space for everyone.”
FAQ
Q: What are the prerequisites for Topuria to fight Makhachev for the welterweight title?
A: Before Topuria can face Makhachev, he must first defeat Charles Oliveira in his upcoming bout. Additionally, Makhachev needs to be officially booked to fight welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena. Finally, UFC matchmakers must approve and facilitate the fight between Topuria and Makhachev.
Q: Why did Topuria vacate the UFC featherweight championship?
A: Topuria vacated the featherweight championship due to the difficulty of making weight cuts. He decided to commit full-time to the lightweight division.
Q: What are Topuria’s thoughts on fighting in different weight classes?
A: Topuria believes he is fully equipped to compete in different weight classes. He has trained with welterweight fighters and feels confident that he can dominate and knock out anyone in the world.
Q: How does Topuria’s confidence compare to other fighters?
A: Topuria’s confidence is unique in its depth and unwavering nature. While some might mistake it for brashness, it stems from a genuine belief in his abilities and a willingness to take risks to achieve his goals.
Q: What would it mean for Topuria if he wins titles in three different weight classes?
A: Winning titles in three different weight classes would be an unprecedented feat in UFC history. It would solidify Topuria’s place among the greatest fighters of all time and set him apart from nearly every UFC champion.
Q: What are Topuria’s thoughts on being mentioned as one of the greatest of all time?
A: Topuria expressed that he would be happy to be mentioned among the greatest fighters of all time. However, he emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of all athletes who have done great things for the sport.
Topuria’s journey is far from over, and his bold claims and unwavering confidence continue to captivate the MMA world. Whether or not he achieves his ambitious goals, his impact on the sport is already undeniable.