Ilia Topuria’s Bold Triple-Crown Vision: ‘El Matador’ Sets Sights Beyond Featherweight Gold

The fight game has always been home to dreamers, but Ilia Topuria isn’t just dreaming – he’s forecasting his future with the confidence of a man who already sees it unfolding.

Fresh off his stunning championship victory over Alexander Volkanovski, the newly-crowned UFC featherweight king isn’t taking a moment to rest on his laurels. Instead, “El Matador” is already plotting a path that would cement him among the greatest fighters in MMA history.

The Audacity of Ambition: Topuria’s Three-Division Conquest

When most champions secure their first title, they talk about defending it. When Topuria captured gold, he immediately started discussing collecting more of it. That’s the difference between good fighters and those destined for legendary status.

During recent media appearances, Topuria has made it crystal clear – he’s not just looking to defend his featherweight title; he’s eyeing both the lightweight and bantamweight championships to become the first-ever UFC triple champion.

“I see myself holding three belts simultaneously,” Topuria declared with his signature unshakeable confidence. “Why set limits when you can set precedents?”

Is This Confidence or Delusion?

The history of combat sports is littered with fighters who bit off more than they could chew. The jump between weight classes has humbled many champions. But there’s something different about Topuria – a combination of technical brilliance and psychological warfare that makes his ambitions seem less farfetched than they might for others.

At 27, the Spanish-Georgian fighter sits at a perfect 15-0 record. More impressively, he’s shown the rare ability to carry power with him throughout fights, evidenced by his shocking knockout of Volkanovski – a man previously considered nearly unbeatable at 145 pounds.

“Insert image of Topuria’s knockout celebration against Volkanovski here”

Breaking Down Topuria’s Path to Triple-Crown Glory

The Road Less Traveled

What makes Topuria’s ambition particularly fascinating is that most two-division champions have moved up in weight – not down. The idea of cutting to bantamweight after establishing himself at featherweight adds another layer of intrigue to his quest.

UFC President Dana White, known for tempering expectations, hasn’t dismissed Topuria’s vision outright. “This kid is special,” White commented after UFC 298. “When someone backs up big talk like he does, you have to listen.”

The Historical Context

Only four fighters in UFC history have held championships in two weight classes simultaneously (Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Henry Cejudo). None have managed three. The closest comparison might be Henry Cejudo, who captured both bantamweight and flyweight gold, though not simultaneously holding three belts.

I’ve covered this sport for over a decade, and Topuria’s meteoric rise reminds me of a young Jon Jones – the same certainty in his voice, the same technical prowess that seems ahead of his experience level.

What’s Next for “El Matador”?

Before Topuria can pursue history in multiple divisions, he’ll likely need to defend his featherweight crown. Max Holloway looms as the most logical next challenger, especially following his highlight-reel knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.

A victory over Holloway would add considerable weight to Topuria’s argument for a lightweight title shot, potentially setting up the first step in his three-division conquest.

For fans in Florida and beyond, we’re witnessing the early chapters of what could be one of the most remarkable stories in combat sports history. Whether Topuria achieves his lofty goals or not, his willingness to chase greatness with such boldness makes him must-watch television every time he competes.

The Takeaway

In a sport where playing it safe has become increasingly common, Topuria’s throwback mentality of seeking the greatest challenges possible should be celebrated. As fight fans, we’re privileged to watch a special talent who isn’t afraid to reach for unprecedented heights.

Will Topuria become the UFC’s first triple champion? The odds are stacked against him. But if we’ve learned anything from watching “El Matador” so far, it’s that betting against him has proven to be a losing proposition.

What do you think of Topuria’s three-division aspirations? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: Vox Media