Ilia Topuria recently claimed the UFC pound-for-pound No.1 spot after securing his second divisional title, overtaking Islam Makhachev. However, if Makhachev defeats the new welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, he could possibly regain his top rank in the UFC’s pound-for-pound list. This potential matchup raises questions about who truly deserves to remain the best fighter across all weight classes.

Topuria’s swift ascent has shaken up the established order in the lower weight divisions, disrupting the expectation that Makhachev would maintain dominance at lightweight until retirement or moving up in weight. Despite this, one key factor in pound-for-pound rankings is the ability to sustain top-level performance consistently over time, an area where Makhachev currently leads.

With four successful title defenses at lightweight, Makhachev has the most consecutive defenses in that division, a record surpassing legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov, BJ Penn, Benson Henderson, and Frankie Edgar. This milestone sets him apart significantly from Topuria, who has only completed one title defense so far. Should Makhachev capture the welterweight crown, he would match Topuria in holding two divisional titles.

If Makhachev claims this championship, his career achievements, especially with sustained excellence at multiple weight classes, are likely to overshadow Topuria’s quicker breakout. Moreover, the prestige of conquering a higher weight division adds weight to Makhachev’s legacy.

The manner in which Makhachev wins the welterweight title will heavily influence the assessment of his pound-for-pound standing. These rankings typically consider a fighter’s ability to translate skill and power across different divisions. For example, Topuria’s decisive one-round victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 demonstrated his capacity to dominate in higher weight classes despite limited experience at lightweight.

In contrast, if Makhachev’s victory over Della Maddalena is a tightly contested, back-and-forth battle, it may be seen as less convincing in elevating him back to the very top of the pound-for-pound hierarchy.

Ongoing Debates Surrounding Makhachev and Topuria’s Fighting Prowess

Even if Islam Makhachev reclaims the UFC pound-for-pound No.1 ranking, debates about who is the superior fighter between him and Ilia Topuria are expected to continue. Discussions will likely focus on the quality of opponents and dominance shown in recent performances.

Ilia Topuria has earned widespread acclaim for his victories over top-tier fighters like Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira. These wins are often regarded as one of the most impressive three-fight streaks in MMA history. The fact that Volkanovski later regained the featherweight title after losing to Topuria only heightens the significance of that victory. Furthermore, both Holloway and Oliveira were in prime or highly competitive form before facing Topuria, reinforcing the merit of these wins.

On the other hand, Makhachev’s recent resume includes notable short-notice wins over Volkanovski and Renato Moicano, as well as a hard-fought victory over Dustin Poirier, who is approaching retirement. Although these successes demonstrate Makhachev’s skill and resilience, the comparison with Topuria’s dominant streak may lead some to question the relative impressiveness of Makhachev’s achievements.

This ongoing evaluation underscores the complexity of ranking fighters pound-for-pound, where the timing, competition level, and manner of victories all contribute to the debate.

The Stakes and What the Future Holds for UFC’s Best Fighters

The looming contest between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena stands to reshape the UFC pound-for-pound rankings once again. Should Makhachev win convincingly and secure the welterweight title, he is poised to reclaim the No.1 spot through sustained championship success and across multiple divisions.

Conversely, a closely fought battle or an unexpected loss would solidify Ilia Topuria’s position at the summit, highlighting the Spaniard’s rapid rise and dominant performances against elite competition. The result will not only determine rankings but also influence perceptions of each fighter’s lasting legacy in the sport.

As these fighters continue to evolve their careers, fans and analysts will watch closely how future matchups unfold, knowing that the UFC pound-for-pound rankings remain a dynamic reflection of MMA’s top talent.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is Ilia Topuria Turkish?

A. Ilia Topuria, born on January 21, 1997, is a professional mixed martial artist. He holds Georgian and Spanish nationality.

Topuria fights in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is the current UFC Lightweight Champion.