Tom Aspinall picks the same ‘unbelievable’ star for UFC Fighter of the Year and KO of 2025

Ilia Topuria may have only fought once this year, but that was all it took to make a lasting impression on Aspinall.

‘El Matador’ captured the lightweight title by knocking out Charles Oliveira in June. The former featherweight king claimed the vacant belt with a highlight-reel finish at UFC 317.

That performance, in Aspinall’s opinion, secured two major end-of-year awards for Topuria.

“The fighter that stands out for me is Ilia Topuria,” he said when asked to pick the best fighter of the year.

“I just think he’s unbelievable.”

Aspinall did not just stop there – he also named Topuria his pick for Knockout of the Year, admitting some personal bias in his selection.

“The ones that stand out for me are the events I was at. So, I’m a little bit biased, but Topuria vs Charles Oliveira.

“It’s one of the best knockouts I’ve ever seen live. The atmosphere that night was f—— incredible. So, I’m going to go for that this year.”

Ilia Topuria expected to miss extended time

Paddy Pimblett has been matched up with Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight belt.

Just before that fight was made official, Ilia Topuria confirmed that he will not be available for selection in the immediate future.

The Spaniard posted on social media: “I won’t be fighting in the first quarter of next year.

“I’m going through a difficult moment in my personal life. I want to focus on my children and resolve this situation as soon as possible.

“I don’t want to hold up the division. The UFC will make the matchups needed, and as soon as the matters are resolved, I’ll let the UFC know I’m ready to begin my return.”