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Ilia Topuria Deemed Threat to UFC Mount Rushmore Featuring Khabib Nurmagomedov
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Ilia Topuria Deemed Threat to UFC Mount Rushmore Featuring Khabib Nurmagomedov

Originally posted on FirstSportz  |  By Ameetosh Dash  |  Last updated Jul 9, 2025 9:10 AM ET

Ilia Topuria has now cemented his legacy as one of the most dominant and promising champions in recent UFC history. After conquering the featherweight division, he moved up and shocked the world by knocking out Charles Oliveira to claim lightweight gold. With undefeated momentum, Topuria is now on the way to compete with legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov in terms of greatness.

Following his lightweight title win, Topuria revealed plans to move up if Islam Makhachev captured the welterweight championship next. Topuria believes gaining extra weight won’t be an issue and confidently claims no current welterweight fighter could match his skills. Joaquin Buckley recently analyzed this on YouTube, comparing Topuria’s rise to legendary MMA figures like Georges St-Pierre and Nurmagomedov.

If Ilia Topuria is able to move up and fight Islam at 170 for the belt. You know the GOATS in MMA. Now everybody’s opinion is different but I’m always saying these four names are Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, Demetrious Johnson and Khabib Nurmagomedov. With that being said, out of those four names, if Topuria does what he does and gets there straps in three different divisions. I absolutely believe that he does out put himself in a position to become an all time great. Who you think he replaces, of that mount.

Joaquin Buckley via his YouTube Channel

Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, and Demetrious Johnson all had multiple title defenses and cleared out their divisions. Moreover, Jones and GSP proved themselves by conquering higher-weight divisions, too. Meanwhile, ‘Mighty Mouse’ went to ONE FC in Asia and conquered all their flyweights as well.

Khabib Nurmagomedov, despite his dominance, faced criticism for never moving up to challenge welterweights during his time as lightweight king. Adding to that, his early retirement left fans wondering if he ever truly fulfilled his complete potential in the UFC.

It will be interesting to see if Joaquin Buckley’s predictions come true, but for now, Topuria remains stuck at lightweight. According to the new champion, UFC officials have asked him not to discuss any move to welterweight for the time being. Still, with rising hype, a potential super fight between Topuria and Makhachev could easily headline a massive UFC event soon.

Ilia Topuria slams top lightweight contender over recent comments

With no immediate plans to move up, Ilia Topuria is now fully focused on dominating the stacked 155-pound division. Top 10 contender Paddy Pimblett has emerged as a potential opponent after their intense octagon faceoff at UFC 317. Both fighters verbally agreed to fight, and according to Topuria, the matchup holds massive global attention and pay-per-view selling potential.

Apart from Pimblett, Arman Tsarukyan has engaged in heated verbal exchanges with Topuria across various interviews and social platforms. The Armenian fighter claimed Topuria was avoiding him intentionally, fearing a dominant ground game that could easily expose the lightweight champion’s weaknesses.

In response, Topuria reminded fans of the Armenian’s last fight, which took place at the iconic UFC 300 card. The talented grappler was nearly submitted and struggled to maintain ground control against someone Topuria recently faced.

He’s a total jerk! Have you seen his fight against Charles Oliveira? How many times he was on the verge of submitting him and tapping him out? He’s had so many submissions. I can assure you, I’ll finish Arman Tsarukyan.

Ilia Topuria via ABC MMA

In his last fight against Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan won by decision, but the performance lacked true dominance and clarity. He also missed a golden title shot against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 after pulling out due to a last-minute back injury. UFC CEO Dana White expressed frustration over the withdrawal and still doesn’t fully view the Armenian star as a reliable top contender.

Nevertheless, it will be fascinating to see what the UFC decides next for Topuria as speculation continues to build rapidly. Whether it’s Pimblett, Tsarukyan, or even Justin Gaethje, Topuria’s next challenge could shape his legacy and redefine the lightweight division entirely.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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