Ilia Topuria ignited fresh debate about the greatest UFC fighter of all time immediately after his dominant performance at UFC 317. Within two and a half minutes, he knocked out Charles Oliveira, halting Oliveira’s championship aspirations and cementing Topuria as an undefeated, two-division UFC titleholder. This latest victory has intensified discussions around whether Topuria’s recent achievements place him ahead of Khabib Nurmagomedov in the GOAT conversation.
Comparing Records and Achievements of Topuria and Nurmagomedov
Topuria’s perfect 17-0 professional record features seven knockouts, eight submissions, and just two fights that went the distance, showcasing his ability to finish opponents with diverse skills. Since entering the UFC in 2020, he has defeated a series of elite fighters including Ryan Hall, Bryce Mitchell, Josh Emmett, Max Holloway, Alexander Volkanovski, and Charles Oliveira. Among these, three were UFC champions and are considered future Hall of Famers.
His accolades include five Performance of the Night awards and a Fight of the Night honor. The high point of his career was a knockout over Volkanovski, followed by a crushing title defense against Holloway. In April 2025, Topuria vacated his featherweight title to compete at lightweight, where two months later he secured the vacant belt by knocking out Oliveira. This made Topuria the first undefeated UFC fighter to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously.
In contrast, Khabib Nurmagomedov retired with an undefeated 29-0 record after three lightweight title defenses. His dominant grappling neutralized opponents such as Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. Despite his undefeated status and reputation for suffocating grappling, Nurmagomedov’s career was relatively short at the championship level, and his rise was delayed by injuries and matchmaking issues. He debuted in the UFC in 2012 but only won the title in 2018.
Nurmagomedov’s reign raised questions about how he might have handled other stylistic challenges, such as fighting a prime Tony Ferguson or Charles Oliveira, opponents known for their dynamic striking and submission skills.
Assessing Whether Topuria Has Surpassed Nurmagomedov in UFC Greatness
Determining if Topuria has surpassed Nurmagomedov depends on how greatness is defined. Some prioritize an impeccable record against top-tier competition, while others emphasize longevity and sustained dominance.
Khabib retired undefeated, never seriously threatened in his fights, but with only three title defenses and an earlier-than-usual retirement age. By contrast, Topuria has secured titles in two divisions and continues to face top-level challengers consecutively, demonstrating a more well-rounded skill set than Nurmagomedov’s grappling-centric approach.
However, Topuria has yet to match Nurmagomedov’s extended dominance. Known as “El Matador,” Topuria took risks that led to setbacks, including a rare defeat against Jai Herbert at UFC London. Nurmagomedov’s legacy also extends beyond his record, including cultural influence and mentorship roles for fighters like Islam Makhachev and his cousin Umar Nurmagomedov.
At this stage, Topuria’s accomplishments are impressive and earn him serious consideration in the GOAT debate, but he still must prove durability through multiple title defenses and long-term consistency before claiming a definitive edge over Khabib.