Ilia Topuria has rapidly become one of the most formidable fighters in the UFC, recognized not only for his undefeated record but also for his devastating knockout ability. At UFC 317, Topuria secured a second championship by knocking out former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, marking his third consecutive knockout victory. This achievement came after his back-to-back stoppages of featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and BMF titleholder Max Holloway, establishing Topuria’s standing among UFC’s elite.
Topuria’s powerful striking drew immediate comparisons to boxing legends. Observers likened his striking force to Mike Tyson’s legendary knockout power, while his confident presence in and out of the cage brought to mind Muhammad Ali’s charisma and mental edge.
Rampage Jackson Highlights Topuria’s Unique Mental Strength
As the newest double-division UFC champion with an unblemished record, Topuria’s rise has caught the attention of many former UFC stars. Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, a former light heavyweight champion, expressed surprise at not knowing Topuria was undefeated but immediately sensed an extraordinary quality in him. Jackson emphasized that many overlook Topuria’s mental toughness, which sets him apart from other fighters.
The part about him that a lot of people [are] overlooking: his mentality,
Jackson said on the Jaxxon Podcast.
Man, I haven’t seen many fighters like that. He’s like how Muhammad Ali was calling out which rounds he was knocking people out in and stuff like that.
—Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
Jackson also compared Topuria’s presence to the character Neo from “The Matrix,” underscoring the fighter’s unique confidence and ability.
I’m telling you. He knows something that I wish that I would’ve been on, man. He knows it,
Jackson added.
Chael Sonnen Compares Topuria’s Power to Mike Tyson’s Formidable Punching
Topuria’s knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 showcased a sequence of punishing blows that ended the fight decisively with a right hook, followed by rapid successive punches. This was a defining moment that reinforced Topuria’s reputation for overwhelming power, as he dealt featherweight champion Volkanovski his first KO loss and gave Max Holloway the first knockout loss of his career.
Former three-time UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen discussed Topuria’s victory, noting that while no new technical skills were evident, the power behind Topuria’s strikes was extraordinary.
There was no real new skills,
Sonnen remarked during the UFC 317 post-fight show.
I’ve seen jabs and crosses. I’ve seen hooks. It just turns out there is a power that is almost unspeakable,
he continued.
I got to go back to ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson quite frankly when I’ve seen a guy that can step in regardless of opponent regardless of age, regardless of experience and put them down with one punch…
—Chael Sonnen, Former Three-Time UFC Title Challenger
Topuria’s Impact on the UFC Landscape
Ilia Topuria’s combination of knockout power and confident mental game has redefined expectations in the lightweight and featherweight divisions. His ability to end fights swiftly against top-tier opponents suggests a growing dominance in the sport, with many viewing him as the next major force in the UFC. As Topuria continues to build his legacy, comparisons to Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson underline the rare blend of skill, power, and charisma he brings to the Octagon.
With a perfect 17-0 record and victories over some of the best fighters in the world, Topuria’s future in the UFC appears poised for further title defenses and possibly even more historic moments that could reshape the hierarchy of mixed martial arts.
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 Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is the current UFC Lightweight Champion.