Topuria Called Out Over Weak Resume

PFL Lightweight Champion Usman Nurmagomedov says his resume surpasses that of UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria.

The debate stems from Topuria’s recent run in the UFC, where he has delivered knockouts over former champions Alexander Volkanovski (featherweight), Max Holloway (featherweight), and Charles Oliveira (lightweight). Topuria’s undefeated 17-0-0 record has put him as the number one pound-for-pound fighter, as a two-weight champ, above Islam Makhachev, the former champion, who vacated his lightweight belt to move up to welterweight. However, Usman isn’t convinced. He felt Ilia has more to prove, having had only one fight at lightweight. In comparison, Usman has beaten Benson Henderson, Paul Hughes, and Alexandr Shabliy at lightweight.

“Come on, Ilia Topuria, how he can be lightweight No. 1 in the world? He cannot be. He did only one fight. I have 19 fights in lightweight [division]. I beat former champions. I beat champions. I think my resume is better than him. How many fights does he have? 14? I have 14 finishes in my career,” Nurmagomedov said

The Reality

The most compelling argument against Usman’s claim lies in the quality of Topuria’s victories. Topuria’s knockout of Alexander Volkanovski ended the long reign of a pound-for-pound king. This was followed by a knockout of Max Holloway, a fighter many consider to be one of the greatest featherweights of all time. He then capped off his rise by moving up to lightweight and knocking out Charles Oliveira to win a second title. 

However, in comparison, Usman has a more extensive record at 155 pounds, where he has consistently defeated top-tier contenders. He’s beaten former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson, as well PFL fighters Paul Hughes and Alexandr Shabliy. This body of work, all within the lightweight division, makes him a legitimate threat.

A critical look at the context of their careers shows a stark difference in the level of competition. While Usman has dominated his opposition, his wins have largely come in the PFL and Bellator, promotions that are generally considered a step below the UFC in terms of talent depth. Topuria, on the other hand, has been tested against the very best in the world in the UFC. This is the same argument that Khabib Nurmagomedov has made about his own career, claiming that beating the best is more important than an undefeated record against a lower tier of competition.