Former champions elect Ilia Topuria as leader of UFC pound-for-pound rankings

Ilia with the UFC belt at the Santiago Bernabéu. Photo: Reproduction.

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After knocking out Charles Oliveira in the first round and becoming the tenth fighter to win belts in two weight classes, Ilia Topuria has been gaining increasing prestige in the MMA world. However, the Georgian/Spanish fighter still doesn't occupy the top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings, even with Jon Jones ' recent retirement . For some, this may be about to change.

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In the latest edition of the ' Pound 4 Pound ' podcast this Monday (30), Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman talked about El Matador's performance and both came to the same conclusion: Topuria should surpass Islam Makhachev and isolate himself as the organization's main fighter.

“I have to say, I’m giving Ilia Topuria the number one spot in the pound-for-pound rankings. I’ve been thinking about this ever since I saw the fight (against Charles). We had a similar situation when Alex Pereira was doing what he was doing, but there’s a difference. Alex wasn’t doing it against fighters of the caliber that Ilia is doing,” Usman stated, drawing applause from Cejudo.

Kamaru Usman thinks Ilia Topuria is the #1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world over Islam Makhachev after #UFC317

@pound4poundshow pic.twitter.com/F4eHF52Ree

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 30, 2025

Topuria could face Makhachev in the future

Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev are big names in the UFC. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage

With Jon Jones ' retirement , only Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili appear ahead of the new champion in the rankings. The fighter will certainly gain at least one position after Tuesday's update (1). Ironically, the Russian is one of El Matador's potential future opponents.

Makhachev vacated the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) to try his luck in the higher division against Jack Della Maddalena . If he wins, the two could face off in one of the most anticipated duels in the entire sport.

Topuria dominated Charles of the Bronx

Ilia Topuria knocked out Charles do Bronx in the first round. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

When addressing the Georgian/Spanish player's performance against Leão Embaçado, the Nigerian was impressed by the ease with which Topuria beat the Brazilian.

“He dominated Charles in every aspect of the game. Charles brought out his toolbox, went to the ground. Ilia passed his guard and put him in a crucifix. Who showed all the facets of the game as well as he did? And he still knocked him out with his hands.”

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