Ilia Topuria Proclaimed as the Biggest Star in MMA by Ex-UFC Champ Dricus Du Plessis

Former UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis proclaims Ilia Topuria as the biggest star ahead of Alex Pereira and Islam Makhachev.

Ilia Topuria Proclaimed as the Biggest Star in MMA by Ex-UFC Champ Dricus Du Plessis

Dricus Du Plessis commends Ilia Topuria (via Bloody Elbow, Instagram)

Ilia Topuria has achieved two-division championship success in a remarkably rapid fashion. His knockout victories over Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski have defined his striking threat. Those finishes have cemented him as one of the most dangerous boxers in the UFC today. Former champion Dricus Du Plessis recently explained why ‘El Matador’ is considered the biggest star in today’s MMA.

Topuria last competed in the UFC in 2025 when he faced former champion Charles Oliveira for the vacant 155-pound title. He secured the belt with a brutal knockout to become lightweight champion in decisive fashion. Following that victory, he was sidelined due to legal issues stemming from recent personal matters, delaying his return. He is now set to face Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC Freedom 250.

Topuria has become a fan favorite due to his undefeated record and consistent finishing streak. His rapid rise through two divisions has strengthened belief in his championship status. Many observers feel Gaethje faces a very difficult challenge, with some believing he has little chance against the Spaniard. Du Plessis recently discussed UFC Freedom 250 and called Topuria one of the UFC’s biggest superstars.

Ilia Topuria is the biggest star in the sport right now. What he’s been able to do is incredible. I’m a massive fan of his fight style because he doesn’t just win – he does it spectacularly in ways that those people have never won before.

Ilia Topuria via Forecast Show

Du Plessis’s comments have added further weight to Topuria’s rising public profile across combat sports. His assessment comes at a time when Topuria’s global recognition continues to expand rapidly beyond the UFC roster. The Georgian-Spanish champion’s growing marketability has also been highlighted as he became the first combat sports athlete to be signed with luxury watchmaker Richard Mille.

While Topuria is known for dominant performances inside the Octagon, his confidence has also fueled his success. The lightweight champion regularly predicts fight outcomes and displays unwavering belief in his abilities. That confidence was evident in a recent UFC Freedom 250 promotional video, where he presented Justin Gaethje with a white rose as a symbolic warning ahead of their title fight.

Ilia Topuria’s star power has risen so dramatically that HBO Max is set to release a docuseries titled Los Topurias. The series will showcase the Spanish champion’s life with family and friends while also exploring the emotional impact of his recent separation. As his profile continues to grow beyond the Octagon, Dricus Du Plessis’s assessment of Topuria as one of MMA’s biggest stars carries even greater weight.

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UFC middleweight contender believes Ilia Topuria deserves the #1 pound-for-pound spot

The potential superfight between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev remains one of the most anticipated matchups in MMA today. Both champions have built dominant legacies through title-winning performances and sustained success against elite competition. However, the bout appears increasingly unlikely to materialize soon due to divisional commitments and title obligations.

Ilia Topuria
Ilia Topuria (via MMA Mania)

Meanwhile, another battle has been brewing between Topuria and Makhachev in the pound-for-pound rankings. The two champions have regularly traded places at the top as their accomplishments continue to grow. Following Makhachev’s welterweight title win at UFC 322, he earned the top spot over ‘El Matador’. However, UFC middleweight Bo Nickal recently argued that Topuria still deserves that position.

I think Ilia’s skill set- what he is able to do striking-wise, as well as grappling- he’s probably the No. 1 pound-for-pound guy in the world for me. Especially after the three back-to-back finishes that he’s had. Islam obviously has amazing grappling; he has a little bit of size. Depending on whether it’s at 170 or 155 [pounds], I think that will play a little bit of a factor. But I got to go, Ilia, just because of the well-roundedness and the striking power; I think it’ll translate up a weight class.

Bo Nickal via Helen Yee Sports

Ilia Topuria has often criticized Islam Makhachev’s fighting style, calling it less entertaining than his own. There could also be interactions between Topuria and Bo Nickal leading up to June 14, as both are scheduled to compete on the same card. Nickal is set to face Kyle Daukaus on the undercard, while the Georgian-Spanish champion headlines the event.

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