UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, in an interview with Edin Ross, commented on the greatest fighters of all time, sparking another heated discussion among MMA fans. Notably, the absence of former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and American legend Demetrius Johnson from his personal top-5 list drew considerable attention. Quotes about this interview were circulated in a number of MMA sources.
During the interview, when Topuria was asked "who are the top 5 UFC fighters of all time?," he initially mentioned George St. Pierre and John Jones. Then he said that filling out the list wasn't so easy, and in such a question, he sometimes forgot the names. This alone showed that his choice was formed not in haste, but based on personal impressions and views.
One of the most interesting points was observed in the question about Demetrius Johnson. Topuria said she would not include him in her overall top-5 list. However, at the same time, from the point of view of the light heavyweight category, he did not hide the fact that he recognized Demetrius as one of the best in his division. That is, it can be understood that Topuria here sees the assessment within a certain weight category separately from the general list of "all periods."
Ilia Topuria himself was mentioned in the conversation. When he was jokingly offered to add himself to such lists, the champion said that he did not like to be included in such lists. There was a certain modesty and caution in this reply.
His opinion about Khabib Nurmagomedov became the most sensational part. Topuria stated that it wasn't particularly interesting to watch Khabib's fights until his last two. In his opinion, the main thing that made Khabib attractive to fans was his unbeaten streak and the question "who can stop him?" Topuria even stated that he himself has never been a fan of Khabib's fighting style. These quotes have become one of the most discussed statements in the MMA arena today.
Of course, such opinions are always controversial. Because both Khabib and Demetrius Johnson are considered by many to be consistently included in the list of the greatest fighters in UFC and MMA history. Therefore, Topuria's exclusion of them from the personal top-5 showed that he had independent and rather sharp views.
In short, Ilia Topuria's interview wasn't just an answer about a ranking, but a statement that heated up the eternal debate about "who is the greatest?" in the MMA world. One party evaluates his opinion openly and sincerely, while others disagree with this choice. But one thing is certain: Topuria spoke again, and the whole world of battle listened to him again.
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