Bryce Mitchell Claims Grapplers can Defeat ‘Unbeatable’ Ilia Topuria: “He’s in Trouble!”

Controversial featherweight fighter Bryce Mitchell doubts Ilia Topuria's ability to fight against top level grapplers.

Bryce Mitchell Claims Grapplers can Defeat ‘Unbeatable’ Ilia Topuria: “He’s in Trouble!”

Bryce Mitchell doesn't think Ilia Topuria can survive top grapplers like Islam Makhachev (via X/Imago)

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Ilia Topuria has stunned the MMA world by claiming titles in two divisions, defeating several top fan-favorite fighters with ease. Now seen as the pound-for-pound best, Topuria’s dominance has sparked debates, with many labeling him an unstoppable force inside the cage. However, his former opponent, Bryce Mitchell, disagrees and recently shared his reasons.

Topuria dominated Mitchell at UFC 282, showcasing superior striking and grappling before submitting him with an arm-triangle choke. The second-round finish handed Mitchell his first UFC loss and proved Topuria’s elite skill level in the featherweight division. Despite that loss, the controversial fighter believes top lightweight grapplers like Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan can beat the Georgian-Spaniard.

If Islam gets on top of him, he’s in trouble. [Topuria] hits harder and better and more precise than Makhachev. That’s why he’s got so many knockouts. If Arman gets him down, he’ll do great. What’s great about Ilia is his shot selection, and he doesn’t waste his energy. But he is not unbeatable bro. I blacked his eye on a night when I didn’t have no power in my arms. If I had gone in there healthy he’d have two black eyes.

Bryce Mitchell via UFC Abu Dhabi Media Day

Topuria’s knockout power has become legendary, delivering brutal finishes that leave even elite opponents unable to withstand his precision. First, he shocked the world by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski with a perfectly timed right hand in the second round. Next, he dismantled Max Holloway, ending the fight with a vicious left hook that stunned fans and critics alike.

Then came Charles Oliveira, who fell to a thunderous combination that cemented Topuria’s reign of dominance across two divisions. However, during the fight, fans noticed Topuria struggled slightly when Oliveira managed to take him down and control him briefly. Makhachev’s world-class takedowns and lethal submission skills make a future clash with Topuria even more intriguing and highly anticipated.

Ilia Topuria slams old rival over BMF belt 

At UFC 318, the symbolic BMF title was on the line as Max Holloway faced veteran lightweight Dustin Poirier in a five-round war. Holloway delivered a dominant performance, overwhelming Poirier with volume striking, relentless pressure, and unmatched cardio. After absorbing significant damage and falling behind, Poirier ultimately lost the bout via unanimous decision.

Ilia Topuria knocks out Max Holloway at UFC 308
Ilia Topuria knocks out Max Holloway at UFC 308 (via X)

Following the loss, an emotional ‘Diamond’ left his gloves in the cage, officially announcing his retirement from the sport of MMA. On the other hand, the Hawaiian superstar became the first fighter in UFC history to defend the fan-favorite BMF championship belt. However, this moment didn’t sit well with Ilia Topuria, who harshly slammed ‘Blessed’ during the popular Nelk Boys live stream.

That’s not my problem. I just knocked him out. How can you still be the BMF if I knock you out? I told you, I pointed to the ground in the first 10 seconds. You ran away. Then I caught you anyways and I put you to sleep. And you’re still the BMF? How’s that?

Ilia Topuria via Nelk Boys

Topuria had previously knocked out Holloway at UFC 308, successfully defending his featherweight title in spectacular and dominant fashion. However, the BMF title was not on the line during that fight, despite the magnitude and brutality of Topuria’s victory. According to the Georgian-Spanish star, his vicious finish alone should be enough to crown him the rightful BMF, regardless of official recognition.

Nevertheless, Holloway has already called out Topuria to take his revenge, this time in the lightweight division. The Hawaiian fighter believes the win over Poirier has given him the boost to jump the line before other top contenders. However, the UFC has yet to make any official announcement.

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