Ilia Topuria has been gaining significant attention after his knockout victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June. His recent success has earned him high praise from UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis, highlighting the rising star’s exceptional talent and potential in the UFC.
Dricus du Plessis Reflects on Topuria’s Rising Career
Du Plessis spoke highly of Topuria in an interview with Betway South Africa, sharing his admiration for the unbeaten fighter’s achievements. He noted Topuria’s unique accomplishment of holding two titles while remaining undefeated. Du Plessis remarked on his striking ability and power, pointing out that Topuria has knocked out several legendary opponents.
He’s the first unbeaten guy to have two titles. I’m super happy for him and I rate him very highly as an all-around fighter, and obviously his striking, power, in knocking out three legends. I think he’s incredible and, in my opinion, one of the best, if not the best in the UFC right now.
—Dricus du Plessis, UFC Middleweight Champion
Du Plessis also drew parallels between their careers, recalling their shared fight card at UFC 264 in Las Vegas in 2021, where both earned victories in their preliminary bouts. Topuria defeated Ryan Hall, while du Plessis overcame Trevin Giles, marking a moment of shared momentum early in their UFC journeys.
Mutual Respect and High Expectations for Topuria’s Future
Discussing their relationship, du Plessis pointed out how closely their paths have intertwined, mentioning that Topuria was even in his changing room during events. Both fighters captured titles within a month of each other, emphasizing their parallel rise in the UFC ranks.
He was literally in my changing room,
du Plessis said.
We were on the same trajectory, winning our titles one month apart. I’m super happy for him. I think he’s one of those special characters who’s going to be a Hall of Famer, no doubt.
—Dricus du Plessis, UFC Middleweight Champion
Currently, Topuria is waiting to learn who his next challenger will be, while du Plessis aims to continue his winning streak by taking on Khamzat Chimaev as the headliner at UFC 319. Du Plessis recently secured a decision victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 312 in February, and Topuria has vacated the UFC Featherweight Championship ahead of his recent featherweight knockout performance.
The respect shared between Topuria and du Plessis stands out in a sport often filled with disputes and controversy, marking a hopeful and sincere camaraderie between two top athletes. As Topuria moves forward in his career, du Plessis’s praise signals a strong expectation that this unbeaten star will leave a lasting mark in UFC history.