Ilia Topuria has quickly established himself as a dominant force in the UFC, capturing the spotlight after winning the featherweight title and then rising to lightweight champion by knocking out Charles Oliveira. With an undefeated record and growing momentum, Topuria is now being compared to legendary fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov as he pursues a historic path in the Octagon.
Following his success at lightweight, Topuria has expressed intentions to move up to welterweight should Islam Makhachev claim that division’s championship next. He remains confident that gaining weight will not affect his skillset, asserting that no current welterweight contender matches his level. Analyst Joaquin Buckley echoed this sentiment, likening Topuria’s rapid rise to the greatness of established MMA icons Georges St-Pierre and Nurmagomedov.
Topuria’s Ambition to Join MMA’s Elite Three-Division Champions
Joaquin Buckley, speaking on his YouTube channel, highlighted the significance of Topuria’s potential to win titles across three divisions. Buckley noted who he regards as the “GOATS” of MMA—Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, Demetrious Johnson, and Khabib Nurmagomedov—and stated that if Topuria secures championships in three weight classes, he could rightfully claim a spot among those legends.
“If Ilia Topuria is able to move up and fight Islam at 170 for the belt. You know the GOATS in MMA. Now everybody’s opinion is different but I’m always saying these four names are Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, Demetrious Johnson and Khabib Nurmagomedov. With that being said, out of those four names, if Topuria does what he does and gets there straps in three different divisions. I absolutely believe that he does out put himself in a position to become an all time great. Who you think he replaces, of that mount.”
— Joaquin Buckley, MMA Analyst
Jones, St-Pierre, and Johnson each dominated their respective divisions with multiple title defenses, with Jones and St-Pierre also proving their ability to succeed after moving up to heavier weight classes. Johnson, known as ‘Mighty Mouse,’ expanded his legacy by conquering flyweights internationally under ONE FC. Conversely, while Khabib Nurmagomedov’s dominance at lightweight is undisputed, he faced criticism for never moving up to challenge welterweights before retiring prematurely, leaving some fans questioning his ultimate legacy.
Speculation Grows Over Topuria’s Next Move Amid UFC Restrictions
Despite the buzz, Topuria’s progress toward welterweight remains uncertain. UFC officials have reportedly asked him not to discuss any move up in weight for the time being, keeping fans and analysts waiting. The possibility of a high-profile matchup between Topuria and Islam Makhachev is one of the most anticipated scenarios in MMA, with both fighters holding dominant titles in adjacent divisions. Such a fight would likely headline a major UFC event and further elevate Topuria’s status in the sport.
Top UFC Lightweight Contenders Draw Topuria’s Focus for Upcoming Challenges
While contemplating a future move to welterweight, Topuria currently aims to solidify his reign at lightweight. A notable contender who has drawn his attention is Paddy Pimblett, whose intense faceoff with Topuria at UFC 317 stirred excitement. Both fighters have verbally agreed to face each other, and Topuria believes their matchup carries immense global interest and strong pay-per-view potential.
Another prominent lightweight contender embroiled in conflict with Topuria is Arman Tsarukyan. The Armenian fighter has publicly challenged Topuria, suggesting he would overpower him with his grappling skills. Tsarukyan accused Topuria of avoiding the fight due to fear of being dominated on the ground. However, Topuria has dismissed these claims by pointing out Tsarukyan’s vulnerability in past bouts.
“He’s a total jerk! Have you seen his fight against Charles Oliveira? How many times he was on the verge of submitting him and tapping him out? He’s had so many submissions. I can assure you, I’ll finish Arman Tsarukyan.”
— Ilia Topuria, UFC Champion
Tsarukyan’s most recent victory was a decision win over Charles Oliveira, but it was criticized as lacking dominance. Furthermore, Tsarukyan missed a crucial title fight opportunity against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 due to a last-minute back injury, causing frustration for UFC president Dana White and casting doubt on his reliability as a top contender.
Upcoming Opportunities Could Define Topuria’s Legacy in Lightweight Division
The lightweight division remains intensely competitive, with Topuria’s next opponent still undetermined. Matchups with Pettis, Tsarukyan, or even Justin Gaethje are possibilities that could either cement Topuria’s supremacy or present significant challenges. Each fight holds potential to influence the future shape of the division and Topuria’s standing in MMA history.
Topuria’s ongoing rise and strategic decisions to either remain dominant at lightweight or venture into welterweight will be critical in assessing his place among the sport’s elite. The UFC and its fans watch closely as his journey toward possibly joining the legendary UFC Mount Rushmore unfolds.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ilia Topuria Turkish?
A. Ilia Topuria, born on January 21, 1997, is a professional mixed martial artist with Georgian and Spanish roots. He fights in the Lightweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and holds the title of UFC Lightweight Champion.