The Mycenaean

When it comes to the UFC, the term “GOAT”– Greatest of All Time–is reserved for only the best of the best. Names like Georges St-Pierre, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Jon Jones, and Anderson Silva are usually brought up in those conversations. But now, there’s a new name entering that elite club: Ilia Topuria.

Topuria, also known as “El Matador,” has been on an unstoppable rise in the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) world. He is undefeated and currently holds the UFC Featherweight Championship. With each dominant performance, he’s inching closer to being recognized as one of the greatest fighters ever–even at just 28 years old.

Humble Beginnings

Ilia Topuria was born on January 21, 1997, in Halle, Germany, to Georgian parents. When he was seven, his family moved back to Georgia, where he started training in Greco-Roman wrestling. Later, his family moved again, this time to Spain, where Ilia found his passion for MMA.

It wasn’t an easy journey. In fact, Topuria’s rise is a true underdog story. He didn’t come from a rich background or a fancy gym. He trained hard in small gyms in Spain and Georgia, and his talent quickly started to shine. He made his professional MMA debut in 2015 and hasn’t looked back since.

An Undefeated Monster

Topuria currently has a perfect professional record of 16-0. Out of those 16 wins, 14 were finishes — eight by submission and six by knockout. That kind of finishing rate is rare in MMA and shows how dangerous he is both on the ground and on the feet.

Some of his biggest wins include:

• Bryce Mitchell: Topuria submitted the undefeated American grappler in the second round at UFC 282. Many thought Mitchell’s wrestling would be too much, but Topuria made it look easy.
  
  
• Josh Emmett: At UFC Jacksonville, Topuria dominated Emmett with precise striking, earning a unanimous decision victory and showing off his cardio and technique.
  
  
• Alexander Volkanovski: This was the fight that truly made Topuria a star. At UFC 298, he knocked out Volkanovski — a longtime featherweight champion — in the second round. Nobody had ever finished Volkanovski like that before.
  
  
• Max Holloway: At UFC 308, Topuria defended his featherweight title against Holloway and knocked him out in the third round. Holloway had never been knocked out before in his career, making the win even more impressive.

“HIs wins over Volk and Holloway were impressive since they are considered some of, if not the, best of their division,” said Edward Choi, a senior, and a UFC fan.

These victories have proven that Topuria isn’t just a one-dimensional fighter. He can beat strikers, wrestlers, and jiu-jitsu experts. He adapts, attacks, and finishes.

What Makes Topuria Special?

Topuria’s fighting style is well-rounded. He has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and started out as a grappler, but his striking has evolved to an elite level. He says he’s inspired by Mexican boxing legend Canelo Álvarez, and it shows in the way he moves, slips punches, and throws power shots.

His confidence is also off the charts. He doesn’t just believe he can win — he believes he is destined to dominate. He’s known for saying things like “I am the best in the world” and “I was born for this.”

Another thing that sets him apart is his ability to promote himself. He’s charismatic, speaks multiple languages (including Spanish, Georgian, and English), and has gained fans all over the world. In 2024, he even received Spanish citizenship and was awarded the Order of Honor by the president of Georgia. He’s now a national hero in two countries.

A Big Challenge Ahead: Charles Oliveira

Topuria’s next fight might be his biggest yet. On June 28, 2025, at UFC 317 in Las Vegas, he’s set to move up in weight and fight Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship.

Oliveira is no joke. He holds the record for most finishes in UFC history and is considered one of the most dangerous submission artists in the sport. He also used to be the lightweight champ before losing the belt to Islam Makhachev. Now, with Makhachev moving up to welterweight, the lightweight belt is up for grabs.

“I think he could beat Oliveira but I think the difference in weight and grappling skills will give Oliveira the upper hand,” said Brody Overton, a senior, and a UFC fan.

Topuria sees this as the perfect opportunity to become a champion in two divisions — a rare and legendary accomplishment in the UFC. If he beats Oliveira, and goes on to hold titles in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions, it will be hard to deny his place among the all-time greats.

GOAT Talk: Too Soon or Just Right?

Some people say it’s too early to call Topuria the GOAT. After all, fighters like GSP, Khabib, and Jon Jones have defended their titles multiple times and fought for years. But others argue that Topuria is already on track to surpass them. His undefeated record, his ability to finish fights, and his wins over legends like Volkanovski and Holloway make a strong case.

“If Topuria continues to win major fights and remain undefeated, then he may be able to become the GOAT,” said Aaron Hannon, a senior and a UFC fan.

Ilia Topuria’s journey from a kid training in Georgia and Spain to UFC superstar is a story of grit, passion, and undeniable talent. Whether or not he becomes the GOAT, one thing is certain: the MMA world is watching him closely. And if he keeps doing what he’s been doing, “El Matador” may very well become the king of the entire UFC.