Ilia Topuria is confident that he currently holds the title of the best featherweight in the world. This belief could soon become reality if he emerges victorious in UFC 298 next Saturday against Alexander Volkanovski, the long-standing champion. If successful, Topuria would not only become the fifth featherweight champion in UFC history but also the first to represent his country, providing undeniable proof to support his claims.
Topuria’s journey to the title has been flawless so far, boasting an undefeated 14-0 record and gaining recognition as an emerging international superstar. With his exceptional skills, Topuria’s confidence parallels the meteoric rise of former champion Conor McGregor, according to Daniel Cormier.
Cormier likened Topuria’s confidence to McGregor’s before his iconic bout against Jose Aldo, highlighting the assurance that Topuria exudes. Much like McGregor, who had a dominant run in the UFC before challenging Aldo, Topuria has been making waves in the featherweight division.
Outside the UFC’s realm, Topuria has taken proactive steps to promote himself, using social media hype videos and even working on a documentary about his journey to the top. Despite the mounting pressure, Topuria seems to thrive on it, constantly setting ambitious goals and confidently proclaiming his superiority over Volkanovski. While many would seek to alleviate such pressure, Topuria embraces it wholeheartedly.