Ilia Topuria #1 P4P… But Is He Really the Dominator?

The UFC landscape has shifted dramatically following Ilia Topuria’s thunderous first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. The Spanish-Georgian fighter has now ascended to the top of the UFC’s pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings, officially crowned the No. 1 fighter in the world. For some, this recognition was long overdue. For others, the debate is only just beginning. The real question is this: Is Ilia Topuria truly the dominator of the UFC, or is his reign destined to be short-lived?

A Meteoric Rise to the Top

Ilia Topuria’s journey to UFC stardom has been nothing short of spectacular. In just a few years, he has dismantled some of the most dangerous fighters in two divisions. His career-defining moments began at featherweight, where he steamrolled through contenders like Ryan Hall, Bryce Mitchell, and Josh Emmett before shocking the world by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski to capture the featherweight title.

But Topuria’s ambitions didn’t stop at 145 pounds. His move to lightweight culminated in a fight against the former champion Charles Oliveira—a man renowned for his resilience and finishing ability. Yet, Topuria made it look easy. A calculated combination of power and precision finished Oliveira in the very first round, instantly elevating Topuria to superstar status.

Now, holding titles in two divisions and topping the pound-for-pound list, Topuria seems unstoppable. But as history shows, being the hunted is far harder than being the hunter.

What Makes Topuria a Special Fighter?

Few fighters possess the complete skill set that Topuria brings to the cage. He has a striking arsenal that includes knockout power in both hands, crisp combinations, and the patience to pick his shots. On the ground, his Brazilian jiu-jitsu background is legitimate. His guillotine choke is one of the most feared weapons in MMA, and his positional grappling is suffocating.

Mentally, Topuria is a rare breed. He doesn’t fold under pressure; instead, he seems to thrive in the chaos. Before the Oliveira fight, Topuria boldly predicted a first-round knockout. Against the odds, he delivered exactly that. His ability to visualize and execute a game plan, even against elite opposition, is what separates him from most contenders.

But still, being dominant over time is what makes a legend. Has Topuria been tested enough to prove his dominance in adversity?

The Critics Speak: Is the Hype Overblown?

For all of Topuria’s brilliance, some critics argue that the sample size at lightweight is too small to declare him the undisputed dominator. Yes, he crushed Charles Oliveira. But what about the division’s other sharks? Fighters like Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, Mateusz Gamrot, and even the ghost of a returning Dustin Poirier still loom large.

Perhaps the most glaring omission on his resume is Islam Makhachev, the former lightweight king who vacated his belt to pursue glory at welterweight. Many feel that a matchup between Topuria and Makhachev would be the ultimate test of his supremacy. Until that fight happens, questions will linger.

Additionally, there are concerns about Topuria’s ability to go deep into championship rounds. Many of his recent victories have come in the first or second round. How will he fare in the fourth and fifth rounds against a cardio machine like Tsarukyan or Gaethje? Will his power and precision hold up under sustained pressure?

Pound-for-Pound: What Does It Really Mean?

The UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings are both revered and controversial. They are supposed to reflect who the most complete, dominant fighter is across all weight classes. But they are also inherently subjective.

Being number one pound-for-pound doesn’t mean Topuria is unbeatable. It means that, in theory, if size and weight were equalized, his skill set would translate best against all fighters.

Jon Jones held the top spot for years through a combination of versatility and dominance. Khabib Nurmagomedov held it briefly through an aura of invincibility. Alexander Volkanovski claimed it through technical brilliance and consistency. Now, Topuria sits at the summit.

But will he hold it? That depends not on rankings or opinions but on what he does next inside the Octagon.

Who Can Stop Topuria?

The immediate threat to Topuria’s dominance could be Paddy Pimblett, with whom he shares a fiery personal rivalry. Topuria himself has dismissed Pimblett as an easy fight, claiming he can finish him in any way he chooses. Yet, in MMA, overlooking an opponent has proven disastrous for many champions.

Beyond Pimblett, the lightweight division is a murderer’s row. Arman Tsarukyan’s wrestling and gas tank present a nightmare matchup. Justin Gaethje’s relentless pace and leg kicks could chip away at Topuria’s base. Even a returning Islam Makhachev at welterweight could force Topuria to dig deeper than he ever has.

At featherweight, Topuria seems to have cleaned out the division, though a rematch with Volkanovski or a clash with Ilia’s former target, Max Holloway, could reignite challenges.

If Topuria moves to welterweight, the road becomes even tougher. Fighters like Leon Edwards, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Belal Muhammad offer stylistic puzzles that Topuria has yet to solve.

Topuria’s Vision: Three-Division Glory

Topuria has made it clear that he wants to achieve something no fighter has ever done: win titles in three divisions. While holding the featherweight and lightweight belts simultaneously already places him among the sport’s elite, a move to welterweight could etch his name in history books forever.

But this pursuit carries risks. Fighters who climb too fast often find themselves in over their heads. Topuria’s power and speed have translated well from featherweight to lightweight, but will they hold up at 170 pounds against bigger, stronger men?

So far, Topuria’s self-belief and preparation have silenced doubters. But the next chapter of his career could be the toughest yet.

Mental Warfare: A Silent Assassin

One of Topuria’s underrated strengths is his mental game. While some fighters crumble under media scrutiny and trash talk, Topuria remains unbothered. He carries himself with cold confidence, rarely engaging in pre-fight antics beyond asserting his dominance through quiet threats.

In contrast to fighters like Conor McGregor or even Paddy Pimblett, Topuria lets his fists and submissions do the talking. This stoic demeanor has made him a terrifying figure in the eyes of many opponents. Fighters step into the cage with him not only facing a dangerous opponent but also confronting their own doubts.

This mental edge could be what sustains Topuria’s reign, even when physical adversity strikes.

Fans Divided: The Love-Hate of a Rising Star

With rapid success comes polarized opinion. Topuria’s European fanbase, especially in Spain and Georgia, hail him as a national hero. His fighting style, confidence, and humility outside the cage resonate with supporters worldwide.

But detractors accuse him of skipping the line, claiming his move to lightweight and immediate title shot lacked the gradual build that many contenders must endure. Others criticize the UFC’s promotional machine, suggesting it fast-tracked Topuria for global market expansion.

Regardless of these debates, Topuria continues to win—and in the end, results speak louder than critics.

The Road Ahead: Legacy or Complacency?

The coming year will define whether Topuria’s P4P status is a temporary moment of brilliance or the start of an era. Defending his lightweight belt, fending off rising contenders, and potentially moving to welterweight will all test his limits.

Will he follow the blueprint of dominant champions like Georges St-Pierre, who reigned for years through constant evolution? Or will his run resemble fighters like Cody Garbrandt or Rafael dos Anjos, whose peaks were brilliant but brief?

Topuria has the tools, the drive, and the mindset. Now he faces the pressure of living up to the expectations that come with greatness.

Final Verdict: Is He Truly the Dominator?

At this moment in time, Ilia Topuria is the best fighter in the UFC. His skills are undeniable. His confidence is backed by results. His climb has been fast, but not undeserved.

But true dominance is measured not in moments but in eras. Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Anderson Silva didn’t just win; they crushed challengers over the course of years. Topuria’s next test isn’t just who he beats—it’s how long he can stay on top while the target on his back grows larger with every fight.

For now, the answer is yes—Ilia Topuria is the dominator. But the real test is still ahead. In the unpredictable world of MMA, staying No. 1 pound-for-pound is the hardest fight of all.