According to Daniel Cormier, Ilia Topuria shouldn`t get too comfortable holding the top spot in the UFC`s pound-for-pound rankings.
Topuria continued his rapid ascent toward legendary status on MMA’s biggest stage at this past Saturday’s UFC 317 event in Las Vegas.
Concluding International Fight Week in the main event, Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira to win the vacant lightweight title, taking over the division previously held by Islam Makhachev.
In addition to making ‘El Matador’ a two-division UFC champion, that result also placed the pound-for-pound crown in the Spaniard’s possession for the first time.
But Daniel Cormier believes Topuria`s time at number one could be brief.
Cormier Justifies Why Makhachev Deserves P4P #1 Back
During a recent episode of his “3 Rounds” show on YouTube, Cormier discussed various prominent MMA topics with fellow former fighter Din Thomas. The updated P4P list was among the subjects, and ‘DC’ explained his perspective on Topuria’s new leading position.
“He is the number one pound-for-pound fighter today,” Cormier stated. “But if Islam is able to beat Jack Della Maddalena, it flips again and Islam goes back to number one.”
Makhachev vacated the UFC lightweight title as he pursues becoming a multi-division champion. His opportunity to achieve this against the new welterweight king, Jack Della Maddalena, is anticipated later this year.
“Only because of this, his fighting style will then be proven effective at the next weight class,” Cormier added. “Islam will have accomplished everything Topuria has done, but at a heavier weight: four title defenses at 155 pounds, and then becoming the new welterweight champion.
“So yes, I agree, he (Topuria) is pound-for-pound number one today. But I think the moment Islam is able to win, he then returns to pound-for-pound number one.”
Islam Makhachev`s Manager Disputes Topuria`s P4P Claim
Makhachev has not yet commented on Topuria’s lightweight title victory or his leapfrog past him in the P4P rankings. However, his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has publicly shared his view.
In a post on X, Abdelaziz caused a stir by questioning ‘El Matador’ as the rightful P4P king and insisting that the top status should rightfully remain with his fighter.
“Not taking anything away from Ilia and he’s one of the best talents we have seen in a long time,” Abdelaziz wrote.
“I just think Islam’s 15 fight winning streak in the UFC and him finishing 9 of his last 10 fights makes him the number 1 Pound for Pound fighter.”
Jack Thornley