Ilia Topuria Knew All Along

Ilia Topuria has had a meteoric rise up the rankings in the last few years. Displaying both showmanship and high-level fighting skills. Can he go out and take the belt from Alexander Volkanovski to solidify himself as the next superstar for the UFC - or is he perhaps too young and his time is yet to come?
Timestamps
0:00 - Topuria's rise
0:45 - Career beginnings
1:45 - UFC London & Beef w/Paddy Pimblett
3:47 - UFC 282
7:06 - Topuria vs Emmett
10:33 - Build-up to UFC 298
14:14 - Can he become the UFC champion?
Subscribe for more: / @markfighting
#mma #ufc #iliatopuria #ufc298 #alexandervolkanovski

[@MarkFighting]

Appreciate the love on the new video guys! I'll be making a lot more content like this moving forward so please consider subscribing!

[@gerryfegan3608]

Dude, this is a great video. I'm amazed that you only have like seven hundred Subs because the quality of this video is up there

[@gerryfegan3608]

You earned a sub from me brother. Like too. Keep up the work

[@kouguy8213]

Volk is going to retire after this fight. Can’t wait…

[@gamersinger5118]

@MarkFighting Well at this point. I guess the only conclusion we can make now. Is that Ilia can somehow tell the future?

[@leolee6786]

You HAVE to have a nearly delusional confidence to even get into his position. Many frame their mind differently to get there and Ilia looks like he’s doing it through sheer visualization, manifestation and eyeing the prize. So excited for Feb 17. May the best man win!

[@DatBoiGloomy]

I cant wait. I dont think volk is gonna lose. Tuporia could become the gatekeeper if him and max ever fight post title loss, if that happens

[@The_Eagle_Official]

he's a bum. umar ko's him

[@marcosibiza]

​@@The_Eagle_Official He's a bum, honest? He is unbeaten...i don't know who will win, but calling him a bum..............maybe you should go up there and fight him

[@1Haaku]

u da biggest bum i faced in 2 weeks @@The_Eagle_Official

[@The_Eagle_Official]

@@marcosibiza he couldn't even do shit to paddy. i'd ko him clean if we meet

[@aarondavidson4093]

Whether he beats Volk in Feb or not, he’s probably going to get the belt sooner or later. Edit: Legend, he did it.

[@Aluja77]

He will beat Volk tho

[@elim02]

Can he beat Max? Many have failed that test

[@derraumdeuter3671]

Brother Max will go to LW it's old news now​@@elim02

[@ulisesmontoya9366]

@@elim02 I think he can do it. He is more well rounded that any featherweight contender

[@rafitatheboneless6727]

​@@elim02I think so, he is a ground fighter more than a striker, sooo.

[@khonable]

His boxing skills are phenomenal.

[@dahui58]

His grappling as well

[@ivan3303]

Yes true

[@karutangyt730]

but I think his base is greko roman wrestling no?

[@ivan3303]

@@karutangyt730 wtf

[@karutangyt730]

@@ivan3303 говорят он с семи лет борьбой занимается

[@Youssef06_]

He’s manifesting it definitely future champion

[@rais6036]

Future just not now Volk winning

[@Holisync]

​@@rais6036now while Volkanovski fighting

[@eloverlord96]

@@rais6036 We will see 🤷‍♂

[@gameodemosthene9252]

manifest lol

[@darkmarvel1953]

Just like Rockhold did 😅see believe achieve 😂

[@Bill_Dippertly]

His boxing, strength, speed accuracy. He can KO anyone with one punch. It’s nuts.

[@user-bp3rx8nl4d]

Relax

[@Bill_Dippertly]

@@user-bp3rx8nl4d ok i will now

[@bazeratm]

Just like Emet hahahaha

[@Bill_Dippertly]

@@bazeratm true

[@worldview6218]

@@bazeratmyeah, Emmett has pfp probably too 3 most one shot power on the entire roster, and that power as well as his heart and durability despite how much he cuts and his age like has made him a tough top fighter who if he finds that chin, your going to sleep, but ilia displayed a massive gap in skill between the level he’s at and the level Emmett is at. Emmett gets flak for being over ranked and over rated but he went toe to toe with Calvin kattar who is a legit fw with great boxing. The problem at fw isn’t that there isn’t great top guys like Allen and kattar and ortega and Emmett, it’s that there just seems to be huge skill gaps between the top fighters. Kattar got absolutely butchered by max Holloway but he himself went and butchered a surging hyped contender and huge fw in giga. I think you put ilia in there against Arnold Allen, or ortega or kattar he literally makes those fights look almost easy, but then you put ilia in there with volk I can see a scenario where volk just completely shuts him out entirely like he did max in the 3rd fight

[@ajaykumarm4598]

Dude manifested his win over Volk

[@Opsss1]

He’s is champ today 🫠

[@IntoBloom-wz3nl]

Jon Jones was signing himself as champ in autographs before becoming champ.

[@enryuredblood3784]

he is neither jon jones nor 23

[@smeagolgolum1107]

@@enryuredblood3784 no he's ilia!

[@Barefootclimber]

​​@@enryuredblood3784 And now he has earned his Champion title.

[@alvarodonowitz]

This video has aged very well.

[@EsDarder]

TOPURIA IS THE MAN BRO, IM TELLING U RIGHT NOW

[@anthonycrenshaw1154]

I see Ilia as a champion one day. I feel like Alex wanted to be a man of his word and that’s why he didn’t pull out. And of course, he wants to stay active. He made that very clear in his last post fight interview.

[@tatogelantia]

Because He is The Champ 👑 Now what do you say losers who did not believed in his victory?😂

[@Coolman-zj5uo]

They have to say congrats. I believed in volkanovski but even thought he lost i am still happy for Topuria❤❤❤

[@lg2092]

Stop living through someone else's achievements its corny lmao, ilia is the champ, not you! Bandwagon casual.

[@tatogelantia]

@@lg2092 I am happy because I’m from Georgia as Ilya, it’s a great moment for our country.. And it’s not your f…ing business how I will live ))

[@lg2092]

@@tatogelantia Fine continue to be a bum loser living through someone else's achievements instead of making your own, casual.

[@africanlyricsworld8208]

And he is a Champion now

[@isolator86]

People who doubt on Ilia are clueless about his boxing talent. He has the gift. He is very good everywhere.

[@grandmagus8618]

people don't even know Topuria's origin is greek roman wrestling

[@mytyak07one11]

Let's be real, iff and that's a HUGE if, he beats Volk he fights max. Max ain't losing to him. So this man's got no future unless he moves up or others retire.

[@youtube-nutzer2895]

@@mytyak07one11he just controls max on the ground imo. max grappling is decent but ilias grappling is elite.

[@davis5056]

@@grandmagus8618 bit hard to tell, had emmetts back a dozen times and couldnt stop a dazed man getting up once

[@danielmiller9012]

boxing talent? wtf does that even mean? his footwork isnt good.

[@dionpierre5847]

Topuria was calling for names for his whole career no matter what he says he has my respect for that

[@PrettyGJulio]

His confidence is crazy! -gave you a sub homes

[@dr.loomis4221]

holmes*

[@PrettyGJulio]

@@dr.loomis4221 Hispanic people say and write it “homes“ homes

[@FitnessVirginsPatreon]

He just won👑

[@canteko]

He pulled it out guys!

[@zzc787]

i think he will. ilia’s boxing is phenomenal and that isn’t even his base, he’s wrestling is arguably better than his boxing and that’s just nuts. volk getting kod badly not too long ago doesn’t help and volks getting up there in age as well, idk but i’m kinda leaning towards ilia by ko.

[@Brop3z]

Rooting for ilia in February! Bring home the win and shake up the featherweight division!

[@gilangramadhan3854]

Volk will dominate him😂😂

[@Brop3z]

@@gilangramadhan3854 i disagree, but we will see 👍

[@VicodinMA]

Volkanovski's gonna get his ass handed to him@@gilangramadhan3854

[@langtryvlogme]

What did Volk do to you

[@germanboy14]

To Spain, Georgia or Germany.?😂

[@josuemanuelparejacontreras6004]

Most people who consumes UFC not only like martial arts but also watchs UFC because of the "plot", fighters know that, and they will give show. Unfortunately that is how it is, at least from my perspective.

[@HS-cf1bt]

Why “unfortunately” I think that’s the best part of the sport there’s no fake nice guy act like in the nba and nfl there real

[@josuemanuelparejacontreras6004]

@@HS-cf1bt there are literally fake bad guys on the sports like Colby taking advantage of UFC fans loving cringe and stupidity.

[@ula17404]

​@@HS-cf1btthey are far from real. In reality most of them are much nicer than on camera.

[@CarlWidegrip]

What a silly statement. All professional sports is predicated on public interest. Stories not only captivate, but also sell.

[@josuemanuelparejacontreras6004]

@@CarlWidegrip dude never watched ONE or GLORY 😂

[@jagraj7015]

Bro such good quality video. Well explained. Believe me when I say, your subscribers count will explode once true UFC fans discover this channel.

[@burntouttoast3438]

This aged well

[@kitkat4272]

Damn 🥲

[@acp481]

He did it...

[@GreenLaneer]

Brilliantly made video. Earned a sub, can't wait for more content

[@2dank361]

bro this is 10/10 content, subbed

[@aden1901]

Wow this was a really good video. I’m very picky with who I watch on KZbin and you just gained a subscriber. I didn’t know much about ilia till now as I’m not much of a feather weight fan. This was a really good timeline of his ufc career. I’m worried this could be the end for volk. It just makes all the sense in the world for volk to be on his way out now.

[@tonybellick7841]

I like this style of content homie. Subbed 👊🏽

[@n0ne988]

Great video, just one detail: they were scheduled to fight on January 20, not February 12, but Volks taking the short notice fight against Islam and getting KO'd forced it to happen on February 17

[@fladagreat]

Keep the great editing and stick with consistency, and your channel will grow big. Good job man

[@PandatheGOAT]

Volk is going to break this little man down to bits. People acting like volk is washed and didn’t just lose to the greatest pound for pound fighter from a higher weight class.

[@thatrandomproject6652]

He got headkicked at a old age. I bet he is going down the hill from now on

[@Holisync]

All i can say is that don't make the excuses of a knockout when he loses.

[@slash891]

Little man? They are literally the same weight man what are you even talking about.

[@Holisync]

@@slash891 Toporia is a bit taller than Volkanovski

[@hope4thebetter]

Volk gets koed in rd2. Mark my words.

[@emanuellopez8578]

Yair was clearly scared of Volk, he lost before entering the octagon

[@madgavin7568]

What makes you think that?

[@emanuellopez8578]

@@madgavin7568 the way he behave the in the whole build up, for example, on interview in spanish he got ask about the fight and he said "it would be very hard for him(Volk) to beat me" Already defeated, and the by the way he fought you can see he was "respecting" Volk a little bit too much

[@madgavin7568]

@@emanuellopez8578 Armchair psychology is rubbish dude, you should know this.

[@emanuellopez8578]

@@madgavin7568 huh? I guess, but this is not it, if you pay attention is quite easy to see he was scared.

[@madgavin7568]

@@emanuellopez8578 Utter nonsense. Yair if anything seemed quietly confident of the challenge in front of him.

[@naligsEkr]

Great informative + perfect overview of both fighters!

[@kontrast4361]

How can you say it was a poor decision to move up in weight !?! It was always a risk for Volk but thats what he loves, he loves fighting the best he loves being challenged and after he cleaned out the top five in featherweight what do you expect him to do ? As a fan its exciting, for other fighters its admirable and the right thing to do, im so glad the days of fighters stalling weight classes, cleaning out the best and fighting 8th, 9th 10th ranked fighters is over, Jon Jones for example took waaaayyy too fkn long to move up and when we heard he was going to heavy it was sort of like "yea....cool might watch it if i have time, shouldve done that years ago"

[@vinnrui5913]

It's not the decision to move up in weight that was poor. It was deciding to fight on short notice against the best lightweight at the moment. On top of that, he admitted he wasn't really training much prior to accepting the fight. You saw the consequence. He got knocked the fuck out at age 36. It was too much of a risk given that this man could be one of the very best we've ever seen in the sport. Now, he's at a very dangerous position with so many uncertainties. I love Volk but this one for sure is one of the stupidest decisions he's ever made.

[@joehoward7426]

@@vinnrui5913 That was the risk, its easy to say it was a bad idea in hindsight, but who knows if volk would have ever got a shot at the lightweight title again? If he hadn't have taken the fight then he might have regretted it his whole life

[@profinneupane6883]

@@vinnrui5913Charles dodged a bullet but unfortunately it got Volk instead 😢

[@ianvlsq]

Because he is

[@geniuz5990]

Excellent quality. U got my SUB

[@kr1vix2204]

Some dang fine production for a small channel. Can't wait to see where you're at in year

[@jeromej5815]

I've just found a new hidden gem here in youtube in th form of this channel. Waiting for your next upload.

[@Eric_Atomic]

Aged like wine 🍷 🤌

[@nonsequitor]

Easy to become a fan when you learn Pimblett doesn't like him 👌

[@vengeance3102]

ok

[@daffapradana5785]

What a great video, keep up the work lad!

[@noble6441]

Hes scary

[@solomonblake7041]

Looking forward to watching your channel grow

[@udayanmukherjee9331]

Great video Mark. Quality editing.

[@lanceedward6199]

Dude is the real deal. It’s hard not to like the guy dude stood up for his country.

[@Yepaaaa175]

what an amazing video man. U have a new subscriptor. Blessings from Madrid (Spain) and keep it up!

[@lowlowseesee]

because he knows americans react to cringe lol

[@Frenziedflub]

lol the dude is a beast. You’re probably some 400 pound sea cow eating funions on a Craigslist futon.

[@xeta180]

Its not cringe. Its mental warfare. It might backfire tho

[@That-guy916]

@@xeta180he's just an idiot hating on America because he's a jealous bitch

[@meicc398]

Truth

[@mindofmikedre]

Facts.

[@Luvy1111]

I love Ilia and Volk❤️both are amazing and elite warriors🫶true technicians❤️much love to them and god bless.

[@musicgonnahelpme]

yo bro this video is so well done, that the biggest shock was when I realized you have not 565k subs but just 565! Well, I mean 566 now xD. In all seriousness - very good content bro, much love

[@Hockeyreview101]

I pray volk goes full beast mode

[@gpm2608]

how tf u got only 870 subs, ur movies are amazing keep up the good work!

[@lukajovanovic7310]

I like the respect u show to Josh Emmet, earned u a like and sub.

[@BadNat]

from spain, loved this video. Keep on it

[@imprenditortips]

This channel is about to blow up

[@spritly4290]

That’s because he is the champ

[@telawrence3659]

You are my new favorite fight channel 🤙

[@thefatalveli1]

Brilliant video..... Subbed

[@producer1320]

Nice video! keep going! 2024 will be a good year for you with this quality of videos :)

[@xStrypes]

He’s been my favorite fighter for the last year. He’s a sharp, smart n technical beast

[@OutOfBounds.]

Amazing video! Subbed

[@paulisthelegend]

People are underestimating Volk, it’s hilarious. His fight IQ is ELITE. Volk will dominate

[@user-jo1pi3gp6r]

😂😂

[@aliabdelaziz905]

The issue is doing things like this taking reckless and being exaggerating confident if you get knocked out your stock drops drastically vs someone who is humble and a good sport

[@IronReef77]

I don't understand why some of you feel so attacked by not only his confidence but others. Not talking cockiness but confidence which he has every right to be. I love Volk but just cause it's Volk yall act like everyone is supposed to be submissive to him. Yall do not fight and at that level especially. Why do yall feel like you can speak for these pple

[@gameodemosthene9252]

@@IronReef77 your forehead is giant

[@IronReef77]

@@gameodemosthene9252 Your self esteem is low

[@gameodemosthene9252]

@@IronReef77 your hair line is high lol

[@IronReef77]

@@gameodemosthene9252 Your self esteem is low 😂

[@thekinghash]

Gooooooddd that body shot hook knockout was deadly

[@jakemcqueen_]

Nice brand you are building, keep the consistency, left a sub!

[@MarkFighting]

Thanks! 🙌

[@calvinanderson9442]

@@MarkFighting building a brand on ai voice overs? The editing is good, but the ai voice is lazy imo

[@shinoslv]

Taking a page out of mcgregors book. I remember how Conor was in the lead up to the Aldo fight, this feels exactly like it

[@niconicoo5661]

Hope he wins and becomes the first georgian to have a belt in the ufc ❤❤🇬🇪🇬🇪

[@alvaroc6326]

Topuria is my favourite fw, let's go short king!

[@Tobi806]

only 720 subscribers and that quality. Insane bro, you will become one of the best mma youtubers with that quality !

[@like2jo4796]

The man has charisma he knows to market himself even with less english skills i truly think he could beat Volk most fighters never be the same after a Knockout especially an early knockout

[@lucienpavone3443]

i think he's gonna give volk his biggest challenge yet but lose a close decision, beat max holloway sometime next summer, then come back for the belt by the end of the year

[@musaa.7973]

jep if he loses its max in spain

[@PurpleApeWithGrapes]

That's because he is now champion

[@MTID94]

Go to sleep

[@PurpleApeWithGrapes]

@@MTID94 okay I'm sorry :(

[@rawyouout]

@@MTID94 Wake up

[@Margrito]

For what sorry , he is just hater bro ​@@PurpleApeWithGrapes

[@counterpigeon]

2:10 man I love brawls like jorge masvidal said "just knock that mf out"

[@joshuarai738]

Topuria , bo & shavkat is the future

[@brainswole]

Great video new subscriber here

[@fiftynine9929]

Topuria Era Begins

[@davhooper1710]

A great fighter, wealthy, extremely good looking, has a gorgeous and supportive partner, the calmness and maturity in him, damn son.

[@dzl6031]

everything has this going for topiura. Volk is 35 going on 36, statistically champions 35 and over are 2-28. On top of that the brutal loss to Islam is something to really factor in. I got Ilia as the new champion. This kid is the real deal.

[@IAyala1010]

Only fighter Topuria had actual respect for was Josh Emmet.

[@thefatalveli1]

Ilia is a very cool dude, he got respect for every1, exept for that blond b1t(h..... you know light trash talk is a part of the game

[@yk_uc]

When trash talk goes wrong...

[@superthon7762]

😂IN ABOUT A WEEK

[@bryanlace8302]

When trash talk goes right

[@_freddybautista]

Hoping topuria gets it done 🙏

[@CarlosGarcia-hl7rr]

he is just playing mind games with volk, he knows he is not 100% mentally stable right now. He smart af props to him

[@everardoalvarez3401]

Subbed

[@antman5628]

He will get it done no doubt in my mind

[@cristianhernandez3619]

He will have another shot after this one but he will learn why he ain’t in the same level as volk

[@GirthQuake3]

Volk hasn't fought anyone with this combination of boxing and power. If he can deal with Volks leg kicks. I see volk getting stopped late especially after just taking a bad knockout loss

[@wmd13194]

​@@GirthQuake3 lol what? Volk picks him apart.

[@cristianhernandez3619]

@@GirthQuake3 you a casual 😂😂 volk will man handle that Spanish guy levels to this and you’ll find out soon enough

[@VicodinMA]

Topuria's gonna sweep the floor with Volkanovski

[@cristianhernandez3619]

@@VicodinMA comment back after volk stops the Spaniard

[@FootballHeritage__]

nice video wtf subbed

[@msizinkosi3481]

Topuria is an extremely well-rounded fighter, i don't know why people are underestimating him so much against Volk. I think he has a pretty good chance of winning, sure Volk is obviously very skilled himself and he is the champ for a reason but Topuria is dangerous. I'll throw a small bet on Topuria

[@Abettergrappler]

The amount of fighters coming out of BRAVE FC is wild. Might even have better fighters than the PFL.

[@equanimity92]

Technique-wise, I do think Volk is a better fighter than him. But the fact Volk is gonna fight so soon after being softened up by Makhachev might be too much . Ilia is gonna get him. probably rock him and then a Submission by RD 3 or 4. and the rematch is where we will see the real fight between them IMO

[@madgavin7568]

@@user-vi9zm5ss4f Volk's getting a rematch lol.

[@masoncordell9685]

@@user-vi9zm5ss4fwhy wouldn’t he? 😂

[@ThisOffendsMeTV]

If you think Volk is a more well rounded fighter than Ilia you’re a meatball lmao

[@masoncordell9685]

@@ThisOffendsMeTV you have to make bait less obvious. Ilia has a punchers chance to win, that’s it

[@keepmywifesname2023]

@@user-vi9zm5ss4fhe most definitely would get a rematch 💀

[@jamesfreeman7954]

Ilia has really strong fundamentals and great wrestling.

[@steveng3770]

Can you make a similar video about Menal Kape

[@moonboy4878]

He told everyone

[@gerryfegan3608]

He's got some serious power in that right hand I wouldn't doubt He could beat patty but I don't see him taking on Volk with a Ko 1st round. But he's got a fair chance and I'd bet on him 😅

[@ElectricHorseman66]

He better win big now.

[@jimmyhoffa7076]

Man, keep killin it with the 15 mins documentaries 🫶🫶🫶

[@CazhDore]

1k subs soon bro! I am worried for Volk, i think Ilia might have enough to do him over...

[@Brad_Pittstop]

Paddy is an absolute tool, Ilia is an absolute beast.

[@gazomguit8490]

Volk ain’t no Josh Emmett or Bryce Mitchell. He’s up for a rough wake up! AND STILLL!!!

[@user-jo1pi3gp6r]

😂

[@_Idonthaveaname]

Did the title of the video change?