The UFC world is buzzing! After a stunning victory at UFC 317, Ilia Topuria has shaken up the pound-for-pound rankings, potentially dethroning Islam Makhachev. Is this the start of a new era in the UFC?
Topuria's Rise to the Top
Ilia Topuria's performance against Charles Oliveira was nothing short of dominant. A first-round knockout solidified his claim as a force to be reckoned with. But does one fight warrant the top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings? Many experts believe so, citing Topuria's undefeated record and his ability to finish fights decisively. Daniel Cormier even stated that Topuria is a 'real life star'.
Dvalishvili's Humble Ranking
Merab Dvalishvili surprised fans by ranking Topuria as the number one pound-for-pound fighter, even ahead of himself! Dvalishvili, despite his impressive win streak and victories over former champions, demonstrated remarkable humility. He cited Topuria's recent wins and his status as a two-division champion as reasons for his ranking.
The Contenders: Pantoja and Makhachev
Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja continues to impress with dominant title defenses. His performance at UFC 317 further solidified his place among the elite. Islam Makhachev, despite losing the top spot in some rankings, remains a significant threat. Daniel Cormier believes Makhachev would be one of the greatest challenges for Topuria.
What's Next for Topuria?
With a potential super fight against Makhachev on hold, Topuria has expressed interest in defending his title against other contenders. The future of the lightweight division looks incredibly exciting with Topuria at the helm.
The Updated UFC Rankings:
- 1. Ilia Topuria (according to some)
- 2. Islam Makhachev
- 3. Merab Dvalishvili (according to himself, Pantoja)
- ...and the rest of the top 10!
Stay tuned to NewsRPT for the latest updates on UFC rankings and fight news!