Usman Nurmagomedov recently made a bold claim about Ilia Topuria‘s status as the top lightweight in the world. The PFL champion remains unconvinced about the UFC champion’s status and compared his own resume to ‘El Matador’s.
Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to capture the vacant lightweight championship. ‘El Matador’ had vacated his featherweight title to permanently move to 155-pounds. He capitalized on the opportunity and made a statement with his win over Oliveira.
Before facing Oliveira, Topuria was linked to a potential fight against Islam Makhachev. However, Makhachev vacated his title in favor of challenging welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena instead.
This shift sparked a debate among the MMA community on whether ‘El Matador’ had surpassed Makhachev as top lightweight in the world. Nurmagomedov dismissed this notion and even claimed that his own resume in PFL and Bellator is more impressive than Topuria’s.
“How can Ilia Topuria be No.1 lightweight in the world? He cannot be,” Nurmagomedov said during a recent interview with MMA Fighting. “I have 19 fights at lightweight, I beat former champions, I beat champions, I think my resume is better than [his]. How many fights does he have? 14? I have 14 finishes in my career.”
PFL Champion Usman Nurmagomedov and UFC Champion Ilia Topuria Are Both Undefeated
Despite competing in different promotions, Nurmagomedov and Topuria share similarities. Both are undefeated in the prime of their careers, and both are highly regarded competitors.
Nurmagomedov, the PFL champion, boasts an undefeated professional record of 19-0 (1 NC). His wins under the PFL and Bellator banner have shown his potential and versatility. He trains under the guidance of his Hall of Famer cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and coach Javier Mendez.
Some of Nurmagomedov’s most notable wins include Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire, Alexandr Shabliy, Paul Hughes, and UFC legend Benson Henderson.
Undefeated Bellator Lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov defeated Benson Henderson via first round submission at #Bellator292!
@Usmannmgdv looks to make his second defense of the lightweight belt at #BellatorSanDiego when he takes on Alexander ShabliyTopuria, in contrast, has quickly become one of the biggest stars in MMA. His knockout wins and undeniable confidence have earned him many opportunities.
‘El Matador’ is the current UFC lightweight champion and a former featherweight champion. Topuria’s undefeated 17-0 professional record includes knockout wins over Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, and Max Holloway.
Nurmagomedov Says Islam Makhachev is Still The Best Lightweight in MMA
Despite Makhachev’s move to welterweight, Nurmagomedov still considers him the No.1 lightweight in the sport. He pointed out that his teammate remains technically a 155-pounder until he officially weighs in for his welterweight title fight.
Speaking with MMA Fighting, Nurmagomedov made it clear that Makhachev’s accomplishments still place him at the top of the division, despite Topuria’s recent title win. The Dagestani even stated that he won’t claim himself to be the best until UFC 322 unfolds.
“I don’t want to put myself [at the top] in lightweight [rankings] because Islam is still in lightweight,” Nurmagomedov said. “After he [fights at welterweight], then we’ll see.”
Makhachev leaves the division with the most consecutive successful lightweight title defenses in UFC history. Nurmagomedov emphasized that his teammate’s impressive feats have solidified his place above Topuria.
“[Makhachev is] a pound-for-pound champion, lightweight champion, and he beat a lot of records [at] lightweight,” Nurmagomedov said. “Now, he’s going to go for a second belt and soon we’re going to see.”
PFL Champion Usman Nurmagomedov Makes Bold Claim About Ilia Topuria