Ilia Topuria’s remarkable confidence and combat skills have drawn comparisons to boxing legends Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson, according to Teddy Atlas, former coach of Mike Tyson and respected combat sports analyst. Since entering the UFC in 2020, Topuria has showcased exceptional talent, rapidly establishing himself as a dominant force across multiple weight classes.
Topuria’s Rapid Rise and Ambition in the UFC
Ilia Topuria quickly made a name for himself after impressive performances in Cage Warriors and Brave CF. Since then, he has defeated notable fighters including Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira, securing championships at both featherweight and lightweight divisions. Despite his undefeated record, Topuria is not content with his achievements and aims to capture a third title, potentially at welterweight. This ambition puts him on track to become the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in three separate weight classes.
Unmatched Confidence Connecting Topuria and Boxing’s Greatest
Teddy Atlas recently explained in an interview what separates Topuria from other fighters: an extraordinary level of self-belief that makes him exceptionally difficult to overcome. Atlas described this supreme confidence as rare, comparing it to what boxing legend Cus d’Amato identified in only two fighters—Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali.
If somebody ever gets supreme confidence, it makes them very rare.
—Teddy Atlas, former coach and analyst
Atlas emphasized that this type of conviction is more than just confidence; it is a belief that the fighter cannot be beaten.
What it means is, it’s an ability, not just confidence, but it’s a belief that you just can’t get beat.
—Teddy Atlas, former coach and analyst
This mindset has helped Topuria maintain a flawless professional MMA record of 17 wins and no losses as of July 28, 2025, with victories achieved by knockout, submission, and decision. It also fuels his drive to challenge more experienced contenders as he moves through the UFC weight classes.
A Potential Clash with Islam Makhachev and Future Challenges
Islam Makhachev, who recently vacated his lightweight championship to compete at welterweight, may be the next major obstacle standing in Topuria’s path. Makhachev’s move allowed Topuria to enter the 155-pound division and compete for the lightweight title against Charles Oliveira. While Makhachev has not yet fought at welterweight, he is expected to defend his new title against Jack Della Maddalena soon.
Should Topuria and Makhachev eventually face one another in the Octagon, Makhachev will aim to challenge Topuria’s unbeaten streak and test the limits of his formidable confidence. Their rivalry could define the next era of UFC competition and potentially result in a historic showdown between two of the division’s best fighters.
The Significance of Topuria’s Mindset in Combat Sports History
Teddy Atlas’s comparison of Topuria’s confidence to boxing icons Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson highlights the mental strength required to excel at the highest level of combat sports. This rare mindset, rooted in absolute self-belief, often distinguishes champions from contenders and helps explain why Topuria remains undefeated after 17 professional MMA fights.
As Ilia Topuria continues his pursuit of championships across multiple categories, his trajectory offers a glimpse of a potential all-time great in mixed martial arts. The coming months, especially potential matchups against elite fighters like Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena, will be pivotal in shaping his legacy.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ilia Topuria Turkish?
A. Ilia Topuria, born on January 21, 1997, is a mixed martial artist from Georgia and Spain. He fights in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Currently, he holds the title of UFC Lightweight Champion.