Ilia Topuria Could Be The UFC's Next Big Thing

Ilia Topuria just put on the performance of his life against the #5 ranked Featherweight in the world, Josh Emmett, and I think it's safe to say the division has a new title contender after Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez settle their business at International Fight Week.

We've heard a lot about the potential and ceiling of Topuria over the last few years, and he's done nothing but prove that the hype was justified since making his UFC debut. He's taken the fights others don't want to take, he's faced adversity and come back from it mid-fight, he's landed some insane knockouts, and after tonight - he can add 'dominated a UFC veteran for five straight rounds' to that resume. I mean, he 10-7'd Emmett!

Made him look like a zombie in there!

Plus, the madman drinks wine while he cuts weight….

I think he's gotta be next in line - especially considering almost everyone else has gotten a shot at the champ by now.

Do I think Topuria beats Volk? No - Volkanovski is still a lot better than Topuria all around, and will likely remind us why many consider him the P4P #1.

Do I think Topuria could catch him though? I do. Some of Ilia's knockouts are straight up scary….

It's definitely the fight to make - assuming Volkanovski beats Yair Rodriguez. That matchup excites the hell outta me.

P.S. Yes, this is the guy who Paddy had a hotel lobby run-in with in London last year….