Teddy Atlas, renowned boxing trainer and commentator, has publicly shared his view on who stands out as the best boxer currently fighting in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC. The question of top boxing skills within the UFC gains significance considering the differing pay scales in MMA compared to traditional boxing, where fighters like Conor McGregor and Francis Ngannou achieved enormous financial success by stepping into the boxing ring, even when they did not win.
Atlas believes the evolution of UFC fighters’ boxing expertise is remarkable, and he recently revealed his pick for the best technical boxer amid these athletes.
Why Ilia Topuria Earns Respect as UFC’s Best Boxer
In an interview with BetVictor Online Casinos for MMA Knockout, Teddy Atlas named Ilia Topuria as the most skilled boxer in the UFC today. He noted that while fighters like Max Holloway, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje were once regarded highly for their boxing, Topuria now represents the pinnacle of boxing ability within the promotion.
I think there was a day that Max Holloway was up there. There was a few guys. Poirier was always up there, you know, Gaethje. . . . They’ve come a long way [UFC], They’re always tough and they’re always physical, but in their expertise, they’ve come a real long way. And Topuria is real proof of that.
—Teddy Atlas, Boxing Trainer and Commentator
Atlas praised Topuria’s technique so highly that he said if he saw him practicing without knowing his identity, he would recognize him simply as a remarkable fighter and boxer. This high regard stems partly from Topuria’s unique approach of dedicating time to specific martial arts disciplines under expert coaches, rather than limiting his training to a generic MMA boxing curriculum.
This method means Topuria spends time training with boxing coaches and in boxing gyms, sharpening pure boxing skills that translate exceptionally well in his MMA performances.
Alex Pereira’s Left Hook: A Masterclass in Precision and Power
Alongside naming Topuria as the top boxer, Teddy Atlas also singled out Alex Pereira for his exceptional left hook, calling it one of the most formidable punches in combat sports.
I think that Pereira has the best left hook,
Atlas stated.
He has a good left hook, whether it’s a counter left hook or a lead left hook. It is short, it is powerful, it is accurate, it is beautiful. . . . Pereira’s got as good a left hook as you can ever see.
—Teddy Atlas, Boxing Trainer and Commentator
Atlas’s praise highlights Pereira’s technical skill and the effectiveness of his left hook in both timing and force, making it a feared weapon in his striking arsenal, elevating his status among top UFC fighters.
Significance and Outlook for UFC Boxing Development
Teddy Atlas’s recognition of Ilia Topuria as the UFC’s best boxer and his admiration for Alex Pereira’s left hook underscore the advancing level of boxing within the UFC ranks. This evolution benefits fighters who invest in specialized boxing training and blend those skills effectively into their MMA strategies.
As the sport continues to grow, the demand for elite striking techniques will likely increase, and fighters like Topuria and Pereira could set new standards for boxing excellence inside the octagon, influencing future training approaches and inspiring the next generation of competitors.