Ilia Topuria UFC lightweight champion status has stirred significant debate after his emphatic knockout victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, a fight that took place in front of an electric crowd and ended with Topuria being crowned the new champion. While his win secured him the lightweight title and moved him atop the men’s pound-for-pound rankings, figures close to Islam Makhachev, including high-profile managers and fighters, are pushing back against the ranking change, sparking intense discussion across the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/”>MMA world.
Topuria entered UFC 317 as a favorite, but few anticipated his fast, first-round finish over Oliveira, a former champion with a reputation for resilience. With this triumph, Topuria recorded another undefeated performance, adding Oliveira to a list that already includes celebrated names like Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. Topuria’s rapid ascent, marked by dramatic knockouts and high-profile wins, has made him a global MMA sensation, drawing comparisons to Conor McGregor for his impact and star power. Amidst this surge, debate has intensified, especially among supporters of Islam Makhachev, who argue that Topuria’s resume can’t yet measure up to the sustained dominance of the Dagestani fighter.
Arguments Over the Top Pound-for-Pound Spot
Ali Abdelaziz, manager to Islam Makhachev, has voiced strong reservations about Topuria’s new pound-for-pound position. Abdelaziz pointed to Makhachev’s long winning streak in the UFC, which included fifteen consecutive victories and nine finishes in his last ten fights, as evidence of the Dagestani’s claim to the top spot. Abdelaziz’s comments highlight the enduring respect for Makhachev’s technical supremacy, grappling control, and consistent performance against some of the toughest names in the division.
Not taking anything away from Ilia and he’s one of the best talent we have seen in a long time. I just think Islam’s 15 fight winning streak in the UFC and him finishing his 9 of his last 10 fights makes him the number 1 Pound for Pound fighter.
— Ali Abdelaziz, Manager
Makhachev’s reputation rests on victories over champions at their peak—a list that features both Volkanovski and Oliveira during their most dominant periods. His reign as the pound-for-pound best lasted over 600 days, a rare achievement in modern MMA. However, after vacating the lightweight title, Makhachev slipped down the rankings, enabling Topuria to take the spotlight. The legitimacy of this transition remains a sticking point among fans, managers, and analysts, who frequently draw comparisons between both fighters‘ records and the caliber of their competition.
Recent Rivalries Fuel the Debate
Following Topuria’s win, Islam Makhachev responded with subtle jabs at the new champion, further fueling anticipation for a potential showdown. These interactions have been marked by mutual provocation, including past social media exchanges and interviews that brought their rivalry into the public eye. While Makhachev’s current focus is on Jack Della Maddalena and a possible dual-title run, many in the MMA scene are calling for a direct clash between the Dagestani grappler and the Georgian-Spanish knockout artist. This unresolved tension has sparked widespread speculation about when, or if, these two dominant competitors will meet in the octagon.
Perspectives from Top Lightweight Contenders
This ongoing debate drew more attention recently when Armenian contender Arman Tsarukyan, who was present at UFC 317 as a backup fighter, gave his perspective. In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Tsarukyan confidently asserted that Makhachev remains the superior fighter and that a hypothetical matchup would end in favor of the former champion. His opinion is grounded in both respect for Makhachev’s skill set and personal knowledge gained through direct competition and preparation.
Islam Makhachev [would have beaten Topuria] by TKO. That’s a different level of fighter. You can’t compare Ilia vs. Islam. Islam not champion anymore but if he gets the second title he’s gonna be pound-for-pound number one.
— Arman Tsarukyan, Lightweight Contender
This sentiment is echoed by several other current and former fighters, many of whom argue that, until Makhachev receives a legitimate opportunity to reclaim a title or faces Topuria directly, no definitive claims can be made regarding the pound-for-pound hierarchy. Tsarukyan’s remarks underline the belief that Makhachev’s approach, marked by suffocating grappling and formidable control, poses a challenge unlike any other for Topuria or anyone else in the lightweight division.
Upcoming Fights Could Reshape the Rankings
Makhachev’s impending bout with Jack Della Maddalena, possibly set for Madison Square Garden later this year, could have a major influence on the current rankings. Headlining as the betting favorite, Makhachev faces an Australian contender known for his resilience and upset potential. Should Makhachev secure victory and add a welterweight title to his achievements, his standing among the all-time greats—and his claim to pound-for-pound supremacy—would only be strengthened.
Simultaneously, Topuria has his own ambitions. Beyond defending his new lightweight belt, he has expressed openness to moving up to the 170-pound division in pursuit of another high-stakes fight, potentially against Makhachev himself. Recent exchanges between both champions hint at a “super fight” scenario, a matchup that would not only captivate fans worldwide but also help settle the increasingly heated debate over the true number one in the sport.
However, recent reports suggest that the UFC organization is currently more interested in keeping both fighters focused on their respective division challenges—Topuria defending at lightweight and Makhachev chasing gold at welterweight—instead of rushing into a cross-divisional championship match. For now, the intrigue only grows, as fans and pundits alike continue to analyze every development and wait for hints of the next possible clash.
The Larger Impact on the Sport
The rivalry between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev signals a new dynamic era in the UFC, as fresh champions and proven veterans vie for their legacy. With Topuria’s spectacular rise, the debates over rankings and the meaning of sustained dominance take on even more significance, drawing in top names like Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, and Conor McGregor. The anticipation of a future Topuria versus Makhachev bout could reshape not only their personal legacies, but also the structure of the sport’s most competitive divisions.
In the end, the ongoing debate over the pound-for-pound kingpin is far from resolved. As both athletes continue to pursue their ambitions—with Topuria defending lightweight gold and Makhachev preparing for a pivotal welterweight title challenge—the path forward is filled with potential drama and unforgettable fights. Whatever comes next, this rivalry ensures that MMA fans will have plenty to talk about in the months ahead.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ilia Topuria Turkish?
A. Ilia Topuria, born on January 21, 1997, is a professional mixed martial artist from Georgia and Spain. He fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the Lightweight division. Right now, he holds the title of UFC Lightweight Champion.