An important aspect of UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria is often overlooked by many observers.
Islam Makhachev is no longer the champion in the lightweight division, having vacated his title to move up to welterweight. This change meant a potential dream fight for Topuria was off the table. Instead, the Spanish superstar faced and spectacularly knocked out former champion Charles Oliveira to claim his second title in the main event of UFC 317.
This stunning victory marked Topuria`s third consecutive knockout. Previously, he had secured back-to-back stoppage wins over featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and BMF champion Max Holloway. The undefeated Topuria (17-0) had confidently predicted he would finish all three popular fighters in the first round, a prediction he perfectly executed against Oliveira.
Following this impressive performance, Topuria has been compared to legendary figures. Some have likened his incredible knockout power to that of Mike Tyson, while others have drawn parallels to boxing icon Muhammad Ali for his confident demeanor and how he carries himself.
Rampage Jackson Compares Ilia Topuria`s Mentality to Muhammad Ali
Topuria is now one of only ten UFC fighters to have held titles in two different weight classes, and uniquely, he is the only one to achieve this while maintaining an undefeated record.
The powerful striker Topuria also recently surpassed Makhachev to become the top-ranked fighter in the UFC`s pound-for-pound rankings.
Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson discussed Topuria on the Jaxxon Podcast. He mentioned he wasn`t even aware Topuria was undefeated but knew there was something special that distinguished the Spanish fighter from others in the organization.
Jackson specifically highlighted Topuria`s mental strength.
“The part about him that a lot of people are overlooking: his mentality,” Jackson said.
“Man, I haven’t seen many fighters like that.”
“He’s like how Muhammad Ali used to call out which rounds he was knocking people out in and stuff like that.”
Jackson even drew a comparison to a famous movie character.
“He’s the new Neo,” Jackson stated, referencing ‘The Matrix’.
The UFC legend expressed admiration for Topuria`s confidence.
“I’m telling you. He knows something that I wish that I would’ve been on, man. He knows it,” Jackson concluded.
Chael Sonnen Attributes `Unspeakable Power` Like Mike Tyson to Ilia Topuria
Beyond his mental game, Topuria’s knockout power is something truly spectacular to witness inside the UFC Octagon.
‘El Matador’ effectively finished Oliveira with a series of heavy shots at UFC 317. The initial devastating right hook was what put Oliveira down, arguably rendering the subsequent punches unnecessary.
With this performance, Topuria has delivered Alexander Volkanovski his first knockout loss at featherweight, handed Max Holloway his first-ever KO defeat in his career, and arguably inflicted the most significant loss of Charles Oliveira`s extensive 47-fight career.
Three-time UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen commented on Topuria’s latest win on the UFC 317 post-fight show.
“There were no real new skills on display,” Sonnen remarked.
“I’ve seen jabs and crosses. I’ve seen hooks. It just turns out there is a power that is almost unspeakable,” he explained.
Sonnen went on to compare Topuria`s power to one of boxing`s all-time greats.
“I have to go back to ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, quite frankly, when I’ve seen a guy who can step in, regardless of the opponent, age, or experience, and put them down with one punch…”
