14-1 fighter from Argentina compared to Ilia Topuria after devastating knockout victory

UFC newcomer Kevin Vallejos gets compared to the former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria after a spectacular knockout victory at UFC Vegas 105.

14-1 fighter from Argentina compared to Ilia Topuria after devastating knockout victory

Kevin Vallejos has shades of Ilia Topuria after latest knockout (via Imago/X)

The former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has now set the standard for the best striking in the promotion. The Georgian-Spanish star has the most perfect technique and power to knock out anyone in the featherweight and lightweight divisions. However, there seems to be another new fighter who has a similar and vicious technique. 

In the main card of UFC Vegas 105, rising prospect Kevin Vallejos made his UFC debut against Seung Woo Choi. The Argentine fighter knocked out his opponents in the third minute of the very first round. His striking was so crisp that it reminded Aljamain Sterling of Ilia Topuria. The former champion shared a tweet sharing his observation about Vallejos. 

If ppl don’t see the shades of Ilia Topuria here with his head movement, then counter right hand. Then you’re missing out on great details.

Aljamain Sterling via X
YouTube video

Aljamain Sterling is close friends with the bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili who share the same Georgian roots with Topuria. It seems like Aljo’s observation was quite accurate and many in the comments agreed with it.

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In the last year, many rookies in the UFC has struggled to make their marks. However, the same cannot be said about Vallejos. Nevertheless, the rising Argentine fighter has a long way to go to reach the levels of someone like Ilia Topuria.

Kevin Vallejos wants his revenge against Jean Silva 

Over the years, Dana White’s Contender Series has been the best platform to scout talented fighters. Sean O’Malley and Jamahal Hill are two of the biggest examples of fighters who became champions, starting from DWCS. Kevin Vallejos has a similar story as he got his UFC contract after his terrific performance in the Contender Series.

Kevin Vallejos is ready for UFC
Kevin Vallejos is ready for UFC (via X)

However, Vallejos’s journey to UFC hasn’t been that smooth. During his first try at the Contender Series, ‘El Chino’ went against the dangerous Jean Silva back in 2023. Unfortunately, it didn’t end well for Vallejos who lost via unanimous decision. Following the latest win, the Argentine fighter has called out Silva again for a rematch. 

He’s gonna get his belt…but I do want my rematch.

Kevin Vallejos via UFC Vegas 105 post-fight presser 
YouTube video

Despite the rivalry, Vallejos was extremely respectful towards Silva and his team. ‘El Chino’ shared his happiness for Silva’s success and had very wholesome words for the Brazilian. However, Silva’s response didn’t match the same energy. 

Jean Silva responds to Kevin Vallejos’s rematch comment

Jean Silva has had an incredible debut in the UFC and has already made a huge impact among fans. The Brazilian fighter made his way via DWCS and has rampaged the UFC so far. The featherweight from Team Fighting Nerds has knocked out most of his opponents and has established himself as a knockout specialist. 

Kevin Vallejos only loss against Jean Silva
Kevin Vallejos only loss against Jean Silva (via X)

Known for his striking prowess, Silva has secured 12 of his 15 wins by knockout. He has an alter ego, ‘Lord Assassin,’ which he claims emerges during fights, attributing his in-ring persona to this moniker. He has successfully positioned himself as a notable contender in the featherweight division.

His last fight was at UFC Seattle where he went against Melsik Baghdasaryan via TKO. The fight also earned him a Performance of the Night bonus award. After Kevin Vallejos’s latest callout, Silva was quick to respond with a sneaky tweet.

My son is needy.

Jean Silva via X 

Silva is currently scheduled to go against controversial fighter Bryce Mitchell on the main card of UFC 314. Going into the fight, both fighters have always developed a bad blood. During the presser, both Silva and Mitchell went at each other, making fun of their personal beliefs. It remains to be seen if Silva can crack the conspiratorial puzzle of Mitchell at the next PPV event.

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