Who is Ilia Topuria? Volkanovski’s rival in UFC 298 Career record, stats, and KOs

IIlia Topuria, the rising Spanish sensation set to clash with the seasoned champion Alexander Volkanovski in UFC 298, affectionately known as “El Matador,” has taken the MMA world by storm. With an undefeated record of 14 wins, he stands as a force to be reckoned with in the featherweight division.

What makes Ilia Topuria truly fascinating?

Knockout Mastery: Topuria’s knockout ratio is impressive. He has secured four knockout victories out of his 14 wins. His first knockout win came against Stephen Goncalves in November 2019. Since then, he has continued his knockout spree in the UFC, defeating notable opponents like Damon Jackson, Ryan Hall, and Jai Herbert. His striking precision and power have left fans in awe.

Physical Attributes and Stats: Standing at 5 feet 7 inches and weighing 146 lbs, Topuria possesses a compact frame that belies his explosive abilities. His reach of 69 inches allows him to engage opponents effectively. His orthodox stance complements his well-rounded skill set. His striking statistics include a significant strike landed per minute (SLpM) of 4.44, with a striking accuracy of 46%. His striking defense stands at an impressive 67%. He averages 2.19 takedowns per fight on the ground, with a takedown defense rate of 92%. His submission average is 1.5—a testament to his grappling prowess.

As he steps into UFC 298, all eyes are on this Spanish sensation. Will he continue his streak or face his first defeat? The octagon awaits the clash between Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski, a battle that promises fireworks and an a fun night for UFC lovers.