As 2024 draws to a close, the realm of mixed martial arts is buzzing with intrigue over the future of Ilia Topuria. However, one aspect remains indisputable: Topuria’s 2024 campaign in the UFC was nothing short of historic. In a year filled with unforgettable moments and significant fights, he stands out as a singular force within the octagon.
Topuria’s path to the pinnacle of the sport epitomizes resilience and skill. Throughout 2023, he displayed an impressive record, marked by a string of dominant performances. His first major test of the year came when he was slated to challenge the then-reigning featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, at UFC 298. Leading up to this high-stakes title fight, Topuria had amassed an unblemished record of 14 wins, with six of those victories happening within the UFC. His unanimous decision win over Josh Emmett had already solidified his status as a contender, and the matchup against Volkanovski represented an extraordinary opportunity to claim the title.
Topuria’s audacity during the pre-fight promotional events mirrored the confidence of other MMA greats, particularly Conor McGregor. By stealing the championship belt from Volkanovski at a press conference, Topuria not only showcased his bravado but also his intentions to disrupt the established order in the featherweight division. This calculated risk set the stage for a confrontation that fans could hardly wait to witness.
When the two fighters finally faced each other in the octagon, the atmosphere was electric. Fans were eager to see if Topuria could dethrone a champion who had held the featherweight title since December 2019 and had successfully defended it five times. Despite lacking the experience that Volkanovski possessed, Topuria’s confidence resonated through his fight preparation and pre-fight declarations.
His prediction became a reality when, in a stunning turn of events, Topuria knocked out Volkanovski in the second round, becoming Spain’s first UFC champion. This victory was not only a personal triumph for Topuria but also a historic moment for Spanish MMA, marking him as a fighter to be reckoned with on a global scale. One could argue that Topuria’s win over Volkanovski was one of the most significant moments in recent MMA history, a feat that few could emulate.
Topuria’s knockout victory instantly transcended his status from contender to superstar. With myriad opportunities landing at his feet, he soon found himself in a surreal situation, rubbing shoulders with luminaries like Lionel Messi and the Prime Minister of Spain. However, he was not just satisfied with the title; he yearned to leave a mark, to be remembered as an all-time great.
In his subsequent title defense against the legendary Max Holloway at UFC 308, expectations ran high. Holloway entered the fight as a former champion on a three-fight win streak, which made the stakes even higher. Topuria’s ambitions remained clear: he intended not just to defend his title but to achieve the rare distinction of knocking out Holloway, something no one had done before in the latter’s illustrious career.
Their bout encapsulated a high-octane clash of styles. Topuria’s strategic mindset and relentless approach found success as he finished Holloway in the third round, further cementing his status in the sport. After the fight, Topuria expressed disappointment over the absence of an official “BMF” belt, claiming the title of the “Baddest Motherf*ker” champion informally instead. This lighthearted jab at the promotion’s decisions showcased his larger-than-life persona, coasting on the adrenaline of victory.
With two knockouts of top-tier featherweights etched into his record, it’s fair to ponder what 2025 holds for Topuria. The featherweight division is crowded with challengers such as Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev, but they lack the prestige of Volkanovski and Holloway. This might explain Topuria’s recent musings about potentially moving up to lightweight—a weight class that promises new challenges and fights against elite contenders that could amplify his career.
As 2024 heads towards its conclusion, Topuria’s achievements shine brightly within the MMA landscape. With an unprecedented set of back-to-back victories over two of the featherweight division’s icons, he deserves every accolade, including being recognized as the MMA Junkie’s 2024 Male Fighter of the Year. It is a significant title, reinforcing the notion that in the world of sports, narrative and achievement coalesce to create a legacy worth remembering.