Henri Hooft, a respected kickboxing coach, recently identified Ilia Topuria as the best striker in MMA while also highlighting the power of Dricus du Plessis. These comments came amid growing recognition of Topuria’s striking skills and du Plessis’ effective knockout ability in the UFC.
Henri Hooft Highlights Ilia Topuria’s Striking Excellence and Dricus du Plessis’ Impact
Topuria has demonstrated his striking prowess by securing five knockouts in eight UFC fights, showcasing speed and technique that have impressed experts like Hooft. Meanwhile, du Plessis has recorded four knockouts over nine wins, showing a different but equally impactful style.
In an exclusive interview with Home of Fight, Hooft commented on Topuria’s striking, stating,
“MMA striking is totally different than like boxing or kickboxing. So, you have to [be] clear, but of course everybody knows that Ilia [Topuria] has maybe at least the most powerful and fast hands, as you can see, has a very good technique, good style. For me, [he’s] the best striker.”
—Henri Hooft, Kickboxing Coach
He further acknowledged du Plessis’ approach, saying,
“But you have also people that have striking, that’s not technically so good, but it works for them, and you see with Dricus [du Plessis]. He’s not the great striker that they say they were technically, but he hit at the right moment… I, of course, am a big fan of Ilia, but also a big fan of Dricus.”
—Henri Hooft, Kickboxing Coach
Dricus du Plessis’ Support for Ilia Topuria Before UFC 298
Before UFC 298, where Topuria was set to challenge Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title, du Plessis expressed strong support for his friend and teammate. The two fighters shared a similar path, making du Plessis’ backing particularly noteworthy.
During an interview with James Lynch, du Plessis said,
“I’m a massive fan [of Volkanovski], he’s an incredible fighter. Against Ilia Topuria, a good friend of mine, we fought on the same card on our debuts, and we had the same trajectory to the title. So I am 100% backing Ilia Topuria in that fight.”
—Dricus du Plessis, UFC Fighter
Topuria’s Rise and Upcoming Lightweight Championship Opportunity
At UFC 298, Topuria successfully dethroned Volkanovski to claim the featherweight championship. Following a title defense against Max Holloway, Topuria vacated the belt and advanced to fight for the vacant lightweight championship.
Now scheduled to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 on June 28, Topuria’s transition to lightweight represents the next major challenge demanding the striking skills that caught Hooft’s attention. This fight will be critical in defining Topuria’s legacy across weight classes.
With endorsements from his coach and peers like du Plessis, Ilia Topuria’s reputation as the best striker in MMA continues to grow, and the upcoming bouts will likely solidify his standing in the sport’s elite ranks.