Ilia Topuria has done plenty of noise in this first year competing under the UFC lights.
This month marked the one-year anniversary since “El Matador” debuted for the biggest MMA organization on the planet. Topuria (11-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) made his promotional debut on Oct. 11, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 179. He defeated Youssef Zalal in a unanimous decision, a fight he took on short notice.
And since, the 24-year-old went on to pick up first-round knockouts over Damon Jackson, back in December 2020, and Ryan Hall this past July. The unbeaten record and the three dominant wins were enough to put Topuria in the top 15 of the UFC’s official featherweight rankings.
“I’m extremely satisfied,” Topuria told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “Last week I hit one year since debuting in the promotion and I’m very happy with everything that I have achieved.
“I think few have been able to achieve what I’ve achieved within one year, and the people that have achieved what I’ve achieved are special people. The truth is that I’m very happy and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Topuria’s rise so far in the UFC has been quicker than most newcomers. He expected to make a big splash and feels he will soon make even bigger waves in his division.
“I knew the day I got in the UFC that everything was going to be fast,” Topuria said. “I’ve always known that I’ve always had the level to be among the best. I know I’m the best, so it’s just a matter of time until I get what I deserve.”
For now, Topuria targets a January return to the octagon. He would like to face Dan Ige or Zabit Magomedsharipov, as he sees them as ideal next steps for his career.
Unlike some other young prospects, Topuria doesn’t want a slow build to the title. He feels ready to challenge the champion and wants to get there as fast as he possibly can.
“I get a little frustrated and there’s something inside of me that eats me because I know I’m the best in the world,” Topuria explained. “I’m at No. 15 in the world right now and many would be happy to be in my position because being No. 15 in the world among 8 billion people in the world it’s not a small feat. However, I’m indifferent about it. I never cared to be No. 15 or nine or eight. I want to be No. 1 and that’s what I’m going for. Until I get to No. 1, I’m not going to be happy.”