Ilia Topuria recently named Alexander Volkanovski as the toughest fighter he has faced in the cage, describing him as an exceptionally intelligent competitor. The Georgian-born Spanish athlete has built a flawless professional record of 17 wins with no losses, 15 of which ended before the final bell. Known for his dynamic finishing ability, Topuria continues to rise among combat sports’ elite.
His most recent victory came in June 2023 at UFC 317, where he captured the vacant UFC lightweight championship by knocking out Charles Oliveira in the first round. In the three significant fights prior, Topuria secured finishes against Oliveira, Max Holloway, and Volkanovski, showcasing his dominance across multiple bouts.
Volkanovski Recognized for Tactical Brilliance in Their Matchup
During a live conversation with Adin Ross, Topuria singled out Volkanovski as his toughest adversary to date, following his second-round knockout of the Australian at UFC 298 in February 2024, which earned him the featherweight title. When asked about the most difficult challenge he has encountered, Topuria stated:
“Volkanovski. He’s a very smart guy inside the octagon. He knows how to fight. He is very calculated.”
Topuria also referred to Volkanovski’s earlier fight against Diego Lopes at UFC 314 in April 2023, noting:
“He did amazing.”
Volkanovski is considered one of the greatest featherweight fighters ever, holding a professional record of 28 wins and 4 losses. He is a two-time UFC featherweight champion and recently defended his title by unanimous decision over Diego Lopes at UFC 325.
Jorge Masvidal Weighs in on Topuria’s Place Among Featherweight Greats
Jorge Masvidal, a former BMF champion, acknowledged the legacies of Jose Aldo and Alexander Volkanovski in the featherweight division but suggested that Ilia Topuria has the potential to surpass them all as the greatest of all time. Speaking on the Death Row MMA podcast, Masvidal remarked:
“My all-time GOAT at that weight is Jose Aldo… Like, prime Jose Aldo beats everybody… But if you pick Volk over Jose, nobody can tell you otherwise, because stat-wise and the total package that Volk brings to the table is undisputed. I think Max, Volk, and José are my GOATs at featherweight.”
He further added:
“You’ve got to add in Ilia. He just didn’t stay that long, but what happens if he does stay at 145 [pounds] and get one or two more wins? You’ve got to also say that this guy is actually the GOAT of GOATs… he took out Max still in his prime and Volk still in his prime.”
Topuria’s Rise Signals a Potential Shift in Featherweight Hierarchy
Ilia Topuria’s victories over top opponents such as Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, both considered champions at the peak of their careers, position him as a significant force in the featherweight division. His combination of skill, intelligence inside the cage, and finishing ability makes him a formidable contender poised to redefine the division’s standards. As fans and analysts watch his next moves attentively, Topuria’s path ahead could shape the future landscape of UFC featherweight competition.
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