Ilia Topuria revealed his picks for the top four UFC fighters of all time and discussed what would make the perfect mixed martial artist. The UFC featherweight champion shared his selections and broke down the ideal attributes for an MMA fighter.
Ilia Topuria has revealed his personal Mount Rushmore of UFC fighters and outlined what he believes would make the perfect mixed martial artist, sharing his views in a recent media appearance.
Topuria, known as "El Matador," holds the distinction of being the number-one pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC at just 29 years old. The Spanish-Georgian standout carries an impressive 17-1-0 professional record and currently sits ranked second in the lightweight division. Standing five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach, Topuria is a technically sound orthodox striker who lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, while also posing a consistent threat on the ground with nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes and over one submission attempt per 15 minutes. Fighting out of Climent Club, he has established himself as one of the most complete fighters on the UFC roster.
In the media segment, Topuria named his four greatest UFC fighters of all time and then turned his attention to constructing a hypothetical perfect MMA fighter, breaking down which attributes and skills would combine to form the ideal competitor. The specifics of his selections were not disclosed, but the exercise highlights the analytical mindset that has helped propel him to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings.
Why it matters
- Topuria's perspective carries weight as the current UFC pound-for-pound number-one, giving his historical rankings added credibility
- His breakdown of the perfect MMA fighter offers insight into how he views the sport's technical demands
- As the second-ranked lightweight, Topuria's views on the division's broader history reflect the competitive landscape he is operating within
