Ilia Topuria - The "little bomb" about to explode the UFC world

Ilia Topuria just had a victory over Charles Oliveira on the morning of June 29.

Topuria, with his small stature but devastating power, has become the protagonist of a new era of UFC. Two championships in two different weight classes - featherweight and lightweight - are not the destination, but only the first milestone in the journey of a fearless fighter.

Topuria came to UFC not through media hype or “homegrown” hype. He entered the octagon with a cool demeanor, convincing victories, and a steely spirit that made both opponents and viewers wary.

Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski - names that were once symbols of endurance and class - all fell victim to this "little bomb" from Spain of Georgian origin. On the morning of June 29, Charles Oliveira was knocked out by Topuria in the first round at the UFC 317 event in Las Vegas (USA). A convincing, impressive and satisfying victory.

What sets Topuria apart is not just his fighting skills. It is how he emerged from the streets, where money was earned through blood and tears, to become the brightest star under the lights of Las Vegas. In the city that never sleeps, where betting numbers can determine a boxer's entire career, people started betting on him - not just with money, but with faith.

Dana White, the UFC’s notorious tycoon, quickly saw the diamond in the rough. In Topuria, he had not just a champion, but a brand. A fighter who would excite fans, drive media crazy, and have bettors eager for paydays.

In an era where the UFC is becoming increasingly industrialized, Topuria is the perfect fit: fierce in the cage, calm outside the ring, and smart enough to understand that he holds the kind of power many covet.

And now, with two championship belts in his collection, Topuria dreams of reaching unprecedented heights - three weight divisions. Sounds crazy? Maybe. But for a fighter who has never known defeat, the craziest things are often the most possible.

Charles Oliveira (right) lost in the first round against Topuria.

The transformation from “villain” – booed every time he appeared – to an icon whose name was shouted out loud is the clearest proof of Topuria’s maturity. In the world of MMA, where characters are often stereotyped into roles, he is rewriting the script for himself. No longer the “bad guy”, Topuria is now the “leading man” – the leader of a new wave.

But no matter how bright a star is, he needs a worthy opponent to become a legend. And Islam Makhachev - the famous Dagestan fighter - is the name destined for the great battle that the UFC and the world are waiting for. It will be a clash not only between two champions, but also between two opposing philosophies: street bravado versus the Dagestan school of absolute discipline and control. A "big bang" - a big explosion - is inevitable.

At such a young age, Topuria has what many people cannot achieve in their entire careers: titles, recognition, media attention and... fear from opponents. But above all, he has an immeasurable weapon - a steely spirit. That is what makes Topuria a role model, not only in the octagon, but also in the eyes of young people who are eager to push their limits.

The UFC has produced many legends—from Georges St-Pierre to Khabib, from Anderson Silva to Conor McGregor—but perhaps the era of the “mini-bomb” is coming. And if Topuria does indeed detonate another title, he will not only be the brightest star… but also the fighter whose name will be etched into history in capital letters.

Source: https://znews.vn/ilia-topuria-qua-bom-nho-sap-lam-no-tung-the-gioi-ufc-post1564598.html