Ilia Topuria believes he is “the right one”

Most of the world would disagree, but as Topuria pointed out, professional fighters view fights differently, and the 27-year-old has always approached the sport differently than his peers. Some may call him cocky, but there's a difference between confident and cocky when you really believe what you say, and Topuria has always been a believer. So when he talks about what he'll do to an impending opponent, it's not meant maliciously; He only speaks what he believes to be the truth. And 15 times as a professional he was right.

“There are two types of people these days,” Topuria explains. “One of them has to see things to believe it, and the second type of people believe it and then they see it. I've always believed in things like this and that one day this will happen. That's why it wasn't a surprise for me when I saw myself on such stages and was recognized; I already saw it in my head, so I just thank God every morning for giving me all the tools to achieve my goals. When God gives you a vision, He also gives you all the tools and skills to achieve your goals and dreams.”

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A professional since 2015, Topuria made his UFC debut in October 2020 in Abu Dhabi when he defeated Youssef Zalal in three rounds. It was a close fight and no one said “El Matador” would be a champion in less than four years. But in February he hit his target and shocked many, but not the man with the gloves.

“He (Volkanovski) is one of the greatest in the featherweight division,” Topuria said. “He is very technical, very fast, has a very high fight IQ and was a great champion. I didn't hit anyone walking on the street. I beat one of the greatest in the featherweight division. You have to give him credit. But as I always say, I represent the new generation of mixed martial arts. I think differently at the moment. I bring a new style, new techniques, everything different.”