Following UFC 317, a remarkable statistic has emerged comparing Ilia Topuria and Conor McGregor.
At mixed martial arts` premier annual event, International Fight Week, the Georgian-Spanish fighter Ilia Topuria was crowned the new king of the lightweights.
Topuria, aged 28, secured his second UFC title with a stunning first-round knockout victory over the popular Charles Oliveira.
This decisive win, which Topuria had predicted, made him only the tenth fighter in the promotion`s history to become a two-division champion.
He also followed in the footsteps of Conor McGregor by winning both the featherweight and lightweight belts.
McGregor accomplished this feat nearly NINE YEARS AGO at UFC 205, at the age of 28 years, four months, and ten days.
Remarkably, Topuria claimed the lightweight title when he was 28 years, four months, and 21 days old.
McGregor appears to have been monitoring Topuria closely over the past year, even considering the possibility of facing `El Matador`.
`The Notorious` sent a congratulatory message to Topuria, who could potentially be the new face of the UFC, after his recent title win.
Writing on X, the Irish fighter said: “Congrats on winning my old titles, Ilia! He said he’s gonna rest his balls on Paddy’s head too, haha, fair play.
“Good lightweight scrap that one is as well, in my opinion. UFC is back? Or still missing something? Three KOs back-to-back-to-back is very good.
“No one can deny the knockout. I like (the rose).
“Unlucky to Charles also. Styles make fights! You are a tremendous and legendary UFC fighter. Rest up.”
Immediately after his victory over Oliveira, Topuria was involved in a heated face-off in the octagon with British fighter Paddy Pimblett.
The Georgian-Spanish fighter SHOVED ‘The Baddy’ after a tense exchange, but security quickly intervened to prevent a full altercation.
A rivalry between the pair dates back to 2021, and Topuria is clearly eager to finally settle their score with the fighter from Liverpool.
He stated: “Yes, that`s the fight I want because the situation with Charles was a bit difficult as I really like the guy. He`s a genuinely great human being. You can`t dislike him.
“You always see him surrounded by his family and friends and teammates.
“He`s an amazing person, but ultimately, I saw it as competition and just had to do my job. However, with Paddy, I`m truly going to enjoy kicking his ass.”
Elton Marrow 
Gideon Holt