Ilia Topuria is perhaps the most impressive knockout streak in modern UFC history.
After setting his mark at featherweight and earning consecutive KOs against Alexander Volkanovsky and Max Holloway, “El Matador” decided to go up lighter at UFC 317 and conquer an all-new weight class.
Topuria did just that, landing a stunning first-round finish against former title holder Charles Oliveira, winning a 155-pound crown and etching his name into the history books.
With his victory over “Do Bronx” in Las Vegas, Topuria has established himself as one of the most feared fighters of all martial arts. However, according to true knockout artist Josh Emmett, Topria’s ability to put the world’s best fighter jets to sleep has something to do with footwork that he has far less to do than the power he has.
“From a pure power perspective, I’ve been hit harder by others,” Emmett told MMA Junkie. “Dan Ige and Christos Ziagos hit really hard, but Ilia’s footwork and positioning put him in danger.”
If anyone there knows one or two about knockout power, it’s Emmett. Ask Bryce Mitchell.
Is Ilia Topria’s “buddy” next?
We don’t know yet about the next one after Ilia Topuria following UFC 317, but if “El Matador” recites a wish, he finally gets the chance to place his fist in the face of his fist-higher competitor Paddy Pimblett.
Topuria and Pimblett have been swapping barbs on social media and interviews for years. The two finally met up shortly after Toplia’s Oliveira’s defeat. Unfortunately, Dana White wasn’t amused by the encounter, suggesting that Pimblett has a little more work to do before securing her first shot at UFC Gold.
Recent rumors perpetuated by middleweight title holder Dricus du Plessis claimed that Pimblett was paired with former interim champion Justin Gaethje at UFC 319 in August.
Pimblett continued to completely deny X’s claim. Of course, it was not the first time the fighter had denied a rumor that turned out to be true.