There is a reason why Ilia Topuria is becoming one of the most feared men in mixed martial arts. The undefeated UFC lightweight champion isn’t simply winning fights. He’s knocking out legends.
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Over the last two years, Topuria has embarked on a remarkable run, dismantling three of the most respected names in UFC history. First came Alexander Volkanovski. Then Max Holloway. Then Charles Oliveira.
Three champions. Three future Hall of Famers. Three knockout victories.
Now, as UFC Freedom 250 approaches, Topuria has his sights set on another iconic name: Justin Gaethje.
The Night He Ended Volkanovski’s Reign
Before February 2024, Alexander Volkanovski was widely regarded as one of the greatest featherweights of all time.
The Australian had defeated Max Holloway three times, conquered a generation of contenders and built a reputation as one of the most complete fighters in the sport.
Topuria changed everything.
The challenger entered UFC 298 brimming with confidence and delivered on every promise, knocking out Volkanovski to capture the UFC featherweight title and announce himself as a global superstar.
For many champions, winning the belt is the pinnacle.
For Topuria, it was merely the beginning.
The First Man To KO Max Holloway
If the Volkanovski victory established Topuria as a champion, the Max Holloway fight elevated him to another level entirely.
Holloway had built his reputation on one of the greatest chins in UFC history. Throughout a career that included battles with Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Jose Aldo and Volkanovski, nobody had managed to knock him out.
Until Topuria.
At UFC 308, the Spaniard became the first fighter to finish Holloway with strikes, adding another legendary name to his growing collection of victims.
The performance wasn’t just impressive. It was historic.
Charles Oliveira Becomes The Latest Victim
With his featherweight legacy secured, Topuria moved up to lightweight and immediately targeted one of the division’s most dangerous fighters.
Charles Oliveira entered UFC 317 as a former lightweight champion, submission king and one of the most beloved fighters on the roster.
The result was brutal.
Topuria flattened Oliveira inside the opening round to claim the vacant UFC lightweight championship and become a two-division champion. The victory extended his unbeaten record and completed a remarkable sequence of knockout victories over Volkanovski, Holloway and Oliveira.
Perhaps most impressively, all three wins came against fighters who will almost certainly be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Enter Justin Gaethje
If Topuria has spent the last two years dismantling champions, Justin Gaethje represents something different.
He represents chaos.
The former interim lightweight champion has built his career on violence, earning a reputation as one of the most entertaining fighters in UFC history. Whether winning or losing, Gaethje rarely leaves the Octagon without creating unforgettable moments.
His resume includes victories over some of the toughest names in the sport, while his willingness to engage in firefights has made him a fan favourite around the world.
Unlike Volkanovski, Holloway and Oliveira, Gaethje’s greatest weapon isn’t technical mastery.
It’s unpredictability.
And that may make him Topuria’s most dangerous challenge yet.
Lwanele is the Content Manager for BetJets News and has dedicated six years to creating top-notch sports betting content for major bookmakers, establishing himself as a trusted source for betting advice. As the resident tipster for TAB’s popular TV show Racing Today, he specialises in cricket, MMA, and soccer betting. Known for his keen analysis and practical tips, Lwanele provides BetJets readers with the tools they need to approach betting with confidence and strategy.
