Ilia Topuria compared to Muhammad Ali by legendary UFC champion: ‘I haven’t seen many fighters like that’

That’s three straight knockouts for Topuria, coming off back-to-back stoppages of featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and BMF champion Max Holloway. The 17-0 Topuria predicted he’d knock all three fan-favorites in the first round, with his prediction picture-perfect against Oliveira.

After the fact, Topuria was compared to the likes of the legendary Mike Tyson for his unreal KO power, and boxing icon Muhammad Ali, for the way he carries himself.

Rampage Jackson says Ilia Topuria’s mentality is like Muhammad Ali

Topuria is one of 10 UFC champions to hold belts in two weight classes, the only fighter to do so with an undefeated record.

The heavy-handed Topuria also surpassed Makhachev as the UFC’s pound-for-pound king.

Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson says he had no idea Topuria was undefeated, but knew there was something that separated the Spaniard from the rest of the UFC.

“The part about him that a lot of people [are] overlooking: his mentality,” Jackson said of Topuria on the Jaxxon Podcast.

“Man, I haven’t seen many fighters like that.

“He’s like how Muhammad Ali was calling out which rounds he was knocking people out in
and stuff like that.

“He’s the new Neo,” Jackson referenced ‘The Matrix’.

“I’m telling you. He knows something that I wish that I would’ve been on, man. He knows it,” the UFC legend said of Topuria.

Chael Sonnen says Ilia Topuria possesses ‘unspeakable power’ like Mike Tyson

Topuria’s knockout power is something to behold in the UFC Octagon.

‘El Matador’ slayed Oliveira with multiple shots at UFC 317. The right hook is what put Oliveira out, while the second, third, and fourth punches were overkill.

Topuria has now given Volkanovski his first KO loss at featherweight, Holloway his first KO loss ever, and Oliveira the worst loss of his 47-fight career.

“There was no real new skills,” three-time UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen said of Topuria’s latest win on the UFC 317 post show.

“I’ve seen jabs and crosses. I’ve seen hooks. It just turns out there is a power that is almost unspeakable,” Sonnen explained.

“I got to go back to ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson quite frankly when I’ve seen a guy that can step in regardless of opponent regardless of age, regardless of experience and put them down with one punch…”