Ilia Topuria, the newly crowned UFC pound-for-pound king, might not hold that position for long, according to former two-division champion Daniel Cormier.
Topuria ascended to the top of the P4P rankings following his victory at UFC 317 in Las Vegas. In the main event, he defeated Charles Oliveira by knockout to claim the vacant lightweight title, previously held by Islam Makhachev. This win not only made `El Matador` a two-division champion but also propelled him to the number one spot on the UFC`s P4P list for the first time.
Daniel Cormier Explains Why Makhachev Should Return to P4P #1
Speaking on his YouTube show “3 Rounds,” Cormier debated the updated P4P rankings with fellow former fighter Din Thomas. While acknowledging Topuria`s current status, `DC` presented a scenario where the rankings should shift again.
“He is the number one pound-for-pound fighter today,” Cormier stated. “But if Islam is able to beat Jack Della Maddalena, it flips again and Islam goes back to number one.”
Makhachev vacated his lightweight title to pursue a championship in the welterweight division. His potential fight against current welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena is anticipated later this year.
Cormier elaborated on his reasoning: “Only because of this, (his) fighting style will then be proven to go up to the next weight class. Islam will have done everything Topuria has done at a heavier weight. Four title defenses at 155, and then the new champion at welterweight.”
“So yes, I agree, he (Topuria) is pound-for-pound number one today. But I think the moment Islam is able to win, he then goes back to pound-for-pound number one,” Cormier concluded.
Islam Makhachev`s Manager Disputes Topuria`s P4P Claim
While Makhachev himself has not publicly commented on Topuria`s recent achievements or P4P ranking, his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has voiced his opinion.
In a social media post, Abdelaziz challenged Topuria`s claim to the top P4P spot, asserting that his fighter, Makhachev, rightfully holds the number one position.
“Not taking anything away from Ilia and he’s one of the best talents we have seen in a long time,” Abdelaziz wrote.
“I just think Islam’s 15 fight winning streak in the UFC and him finishing 9 of his last 10 fights makes him the number 1 Pound for Pound fighter.”
Percy Harlow