Ilia Topuria has drawn many comparisons to Conor McGregor due to his rapid rise in the UFC featherweight division and his striking style. However, former UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar points out that Topuria is missing the unique charisma that sets McGregor apart. While Topuria has amassed an impressive undefeated streak and stunning knockouts, Edgar emphasizes that no one replicates McGregor’s ability to combine bravado with elite fighting skills.
Before Topuria entered the UFC, McGregor captivated fans by not only defeating his opponents but also predicting when he would do it, culminating in his historic 13-second knockout of Jose Aldo. This blend of trash talk and fighting prowess made McGregor a standout star who sold millions of pay-per-views.
Edgar stated on The Champ and The Tramp Podcast,
“There will never be another Conor,”
stressing that McGregor’s particular style and impact are unrepeatable. Comparing Topuria to another UFC fighter, Edgar added,
“Paddy’s more like Conor than Ilia is like Conor,”
referring to Paddy Pimblett’s similar flair for personality. Edgar acknowledged Topuria’s attempts at engaging banter, but insisted,
“He’s not as good as Conor. Conor’s special dude. Chael Sonnen was special. If Chael lived up to everything he said. He would be the biggest star by far.”
Furthermore, Edgar remarked on McGregor’s boundary-pushing nature:
“Conor also steps over the f—— line, in my mind.”
Edgar Acknowledges Some Valid Criticism of Topuria Despite His Success
Although Ilia Topuria stunned the MMA world with a knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, a narrative persists that many of his recent opponents are past their prime. Having been retired for nearly three years, Frankie Edgar understands the skepticism from critics who question the age and current form of Topuria’s adversaries.
Defending Topuria’s achievements, Edgar said,
“He’s living up to the hype,”
recognizing that the champion has delivered on his promises inside the octagon. At the same time, he conceded,
“But, there’s always the people that are gonna say some s— and hate on him… And they do have a point too,”
admitting that not all criticism lacks merit.
Edgar elaborated on the veterans Topuria defeated, noting that Alexander Volkanovski was 36 years old when Topuria claimed the title from him, and Max Holloway had just endured a difficult weight cut moving back to featherweight. He also mentioned Oliveira’s age and the common UFC trend where fighters aged 35 or older often experience difficulties winning titles in weight classes 170 pounds and below.
“He beat a 36-year-old Volkanovski. He beat Holloway, coming off a hard ass weight cut because he’s at 155, went back down to 145. Volk coming off a head kick knockout. And he just fought a 35, almost 36-year-old Oliveira. You know the stats, right, with the 35-year-old [curse]?”
The Impact of Topuria’s Rise and What Lies Ahead
Ilia Topuria’s undefeated streak and dynamic finishes have stirred excitement in the lightweight division, positioning him as a future star. However, Frankie Edgar’s commentary reveals the tension between hype and reality in MMA. While Topuria has proven his skill, he still faces skepticism about the quality and timing of his victories compared to legends like Conor McGregor.
The discussion underscores McGregor’s unparalleled status as both a fighter and entertainer, setting a high bar for any emerging talent. As fans debate Topuria’s place among the UFC elite, his next challenges will be crucial in solidifying his legacy beyond comparisons and establishing his own distinctive identity inside and outside the octagon.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ilia Topuria Turkish?
A. Ilia Topuria, born on January 21, 1997, is a fighter from Georgia and Spain. He competes in the Lightweight category of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and holds the title of UFC Lightweight Champion.