Daniel Cormier believes Ilia Topuria`s time atop the UFC`s pound-for-pound rankings might be brief.
Topuria recently reinforced his status among MMA`s elite with a standout performance at UFC 317 in Las Vegas.
Headlining International Fight Week, Topuria secured a knockout victory over Charles Oliveira to claim the vacant lightweight title, stepping into the position previously held by Islam Makhachev.
This win not only cemented `El Matador` as the UFC`s newest two-division champion but also earned the Spaniard the number one spot on the prestigious pound-for-pound list for the first time in his career.
Daniel Cormier Justifies Putting Makhachev Back at P4P Number One
During a recent installment of his YouTube program, 3 Rounds, Cormier engaged in discussion with fellow former fighter Din Thomas on various prominent MMA topics. The revised pound-for-pound hierarchy was a key point, and `DC` articulated his perspective on Topuria`s new top ranking.
“He is the number one pound-for-pound fighter today,” Cormier stated. “But if Islam is able to beat Jack Della Maddalena, it flips again and Islam goes back to number one.”
Makhachev had previously vacated the UFC lightweight championship to pursue championship status in a second weight class. His anticipated opportunity to challenge the new welterweight king, Jack Della Maddalena, is expected to take place later this year.
“Only because of this, (his) fighting style will then be proven to go up to the next weight class,” Cormier added. “Islam will have done everything Topuria has done at a heavier weight. Four title defenses at 155, and then the new champion at welterweight.”
“So yes, I agree, he (Topuria) is pound-for-pound number one today. But I think the moment Islam is able to win, he then goes back to pound-for-pound number one.”
Islam Makhachev`s Manager Questions Topuria`s P4P Status Post-UFC 317
Makhachev himself has not yet offered comments regarding Topuria`s lightweight title capture or his rise above him in the P4P standings. However, his manager has.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ali Abdelaziz caused a stir by dismissing `El Matador` as the rightful pound-for-pound king and asserting that the premier status should rightfully remain with his fighter.
“Not taking anything away from Ilia and he’s one of the best talents we have seen in a long time,” Abdelaziz wrote.
“I just think Islam’s 15 fight winning streak in the UFC and him finishing 9 of his last 10 fights makes him the number 1 Pound for Pound fighter.”
