Ilia Topuria believes his famed knockout power would be more than enough to handle Terence Crawford.
Crawford already has a huge fight lined up as he takes on Canelo Alvarez in a boxing superfight this Saturday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The matchup sees the undefeated Crawford (41-0) move up in weight to take on the legendary Canelo (63-2-2), with Alvarez’s undisputed super middleweight championship on the line.
Topuria recently completed his own successful division change. The former featherweight
champion vacated his 145-pound belt to move up to 155 pounds, where he knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to capture a vacant lightweight title.
Now, Topuria is setting his sights on Crawford.
“I won’t talk about what would happen between me and Crawford in an octagon,” Topuria wrote on Twitter. “I’ll talk about what would happen in a ring. I put him to sleep in the first contact!”
Though Topuria’s boast might seem over the top, “El Matador” has no shortage of highlight-reel finishes to his name. He captured the featherweight title with a stunning second-round knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, making him the only man to defeat Volkanovski in a 145-pound contest. Then he followed up by knockout out Max Holloway at UFC 308, the first time Holloway had ever been finished via strikes.
At UFC 317, Topuria scored arguably his most impressive knockout yet when he put Oliveira down in under two and a half minutes.
Topuria is yet to book his first lightweight title defense, but appears to already be angling for a crossover bout with Crawford. On Saturday, he posted an image of him meeting Crawford, along with the caption, “Who wins in a fight?”
TOP STORIES
Victoire. Nassourdine Imavov was triumphant in his home country and might be the new No. 1 contender at 185 pounds.
Mistake? Sean Strickland questions training partner Caio Borralho on cutting weight twice for UFC 319 and UFC Paris.
Emotional. From PFL tournament winner to successful UFC debutant, Ante Delija let it all out Saturday.
Crazy. In the latest Missed Fists, a fighter face-plants and is saved by the bell, then comes back to win in the third round.
Annoyed. Patricio Pitbull is NOT happy with Losene Keita missing weight and forcing the cancellation of their UFC Paris clash.
Evolution. Ciryl Gane says he’s ready to grapple with Tom Aspinall.
Happy Trails. Paul Craig announced his retirement following a tough knockout loss to Modestas Bukauskas.
VIDEO STEW
UFC Paris post-fight show.
UFC Paris post-fight press conference.
Check out all the action from a thrilling UFC Paris event.
Maybe the best ever?
Back at it.
FLAVOR IN YOUR EAR
On to the Next One. Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss whether Nassourdine Imavov did enough to become the No. 1 middleweight contender at UFC Paris. Plus, what’s next for Benoit Saint Denis and Modestas Bukauskas, the perfect matchup for William Gomis, and more.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Salute, Mr. Craig.
Statements.
Callout.
Joanna and Jelly Roll.
Kimbo Slice vs. Houston Alexander homage.
Hell of a kick.
Congratulations!
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mateusz Rebecki (20-3) vs. Ludovit Klein (23-5-1); UFC 321, Oct. 25
FINAL THOUGHTS
Canelo vs. Crawford fight week didn’t truly start until an MMA fighter called one of them out.
Here we go!
EXIT POLL
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