The Controversial UFC Rise of Ilia Topuria

[@LeoCooperMMA]

Apologies for the abrupt cuts during the video. I had to remove sections for copyright reasons - for context they were 1. Explaining the 'Cage Warriors' promotion 2. Topuria's win at Cage warriors 3. Showcasing Paddy's feud at the press conference with Ilia. Hope you enjoyed the video

[@starseeddeluxe]

I'm a hardcore MMA podcast content consumer. Your content is 10 out of 10. Outstanding work, and your live streams are good stuff, without unnecessary vulgarity and weird explicit x-rated content (like Brendan Schaub, and Jesse on Fire). I'd simply emplore you to please review the history of England and America, and try to understand that Trump (despite you not liking him as a person) is the current leader of the 2nd Revolutionary War. This time, the war is being fought against the entire world. It is critical that the American Patriots succeed, for the sake of the planet. I hope you can be more open minded; people like Luke Thomas are unbearable with a myopic perspective that is far detached from reality. Take time to consider the comment, no need to respond.

[@LightningStench]

Keep up the amazing content, always look forward to your work!

[@LeoCooperMMA]

@@starseeddeluxe appreciate the kind words my friend. We can agree to disagree in all honesty - Trumps poltiical views don't align with mine, and thats that really! I won't judge those who choose to vote for him across the pond though. We live in democratic countries for a reason hahaha

[@PSD64]

Great work my brother 🫡

[@jjacmadrid]

Amazing video, my friend! So amazing! Thanks a lot!

[@MCDCSZN]

It's funny how Ilia became the champ before Paddy was ever ranked

[@IHamDogg]

October 2020- Ilia Debut 7 Fights September 2021- Paddy Debut. 6 Fights. Paddy is trying to Slow walk and Get better, he knows he has holes. Ilia Is so self Confident and Skilled that the holes he does have can easily be patched mid fight. Everyone has their path, Paddy is Looking for Superstardom. Ilia Is looking for Glory.

[@IHamDogg]

Oh - Also Ilia went in Undefeated he got treated that way. Paddy had losses.

[@HelloyHelolyt]

@@IHamDogg shut up

[@nikalajgenti4112]

@@IHamDoggscrew paddy

[@alexggist]

@@IHamDoggpaddy kinda fcked that up in the last year thoug while ilia is achieving all he ever fought for.

[@TheSkatedood]

Paddy shittin himself after Illias last few performances

[@timw4432]

Agreed but Paddy looked solid against Green. Absolutely massive 155er too

[@Manuel_Chinaski]

@@timw4432that’s not a particularly high bar .

[@HazardNP]

Paddy subs him

[@raj_2005_]

Meatrider ​@@HazardNP

[@Buddyguy1988]

Huh? Diff weight classes

[@bernsbruce2340]

Paddy ended up being right. "A lion does not concern himself with the opinions of sheep." Ilia is now the undisputed champion of his division while Paddy is somehow still not even in the top 10 in his.

[@jerryrussell278]

Absolutely top tier video, bro. From the writing & the clever jabs to the stellar visuals and sound design. Work like this makes being an MMA fan just that much better! Bravo!

[@YouAreWrongAndIAmRightBro]

Stop the cap

[@LeoCooperMMA]

Means the world my friend. Took some extra time to make this one so i hope that shows

[@DG-yl3vm]

Many thanks for this outstanding video.

[@eaglewinnings8003]

How has his rise been “self destructive”? Just click bait?

[@AustralianOpalRocks]

I guess because he had the nerve to beat the guys he fought, who happened to be fan favorites. What a jerk lol 😂

[@Siscon92]

Maybe bc he keeps talking crap and acting like a bigger shot than he is

[@dawg4769]

@@Siscon92he’s just going the douche bag route to get views

[@buffalonan]

IMHO being world champion is quite a big shot ​@Siscon92

[@ajax3310]

Every time he opens his mouth he alienates himself.

[@Ghostkid6598]

He's the perfect villain people want to discredit him and fool themselves into thinking somehow max and volk have a chance at beating him cause there are fan favorites

[@ozkaa]

Max will need a boat load of luck to get a win off Topuria. Topuria wins that fight 999 times out of 1000

[@davidjones8043]

@@ozkaaI love Max so much but I agree. Ilia is a cosmic level threat

[@cybermoose602]

​@@davidjones8043 thank you for keeping your eyes and your mind open. Your answer is the only correct answer. Did you watch those hoe ass MMA pros give their predictions? 😂 everybody counting Ilia out yet again, these people never learn man.

[@YuriahCrimson]

People hate him because he's so confident. Ilia trash talks professionally and hasn't said something personal, I mean people love McNuggets for all the disrespects he did.

[@YuriahCrimson]

​@@cybermoose602 It's no surprise people are still counting him out again because he KO'ed Volk who was coming off a KO loss but he'll prove them wrong again. 🌹

[@mshvidogio]

Paddy will never fight Topuria, but Ilya will never forget his trash talk about Georgia, sooner or later Ilya will slap his teath out.

[@stephenr80]

Cant wait paddy embodies all thing ppl hate from english

[@saljewsteinbergowitz]

I think Ilia is over it. Ilia has moved on to bigger and better things... Not talking shit about Paddy... I like the new paddy, and he's a beast. If it goes to the ground with anyone at lightweight, Paddy is incredibly dangerous. But there are levels. Ilia is in a whole other league.

[@MrSefiroh]

​​has Paddy fought a legit fighter yet?

[@geezer1970]

Yes I hope so!! Ilia could mention Hillsborough but does he? No he has some class,and morales,not like Derek Hatton wannabe.😂

[@barkburton1]

Great video! I’ve been a fan of Topuria since his first fight in the ufc. You can tell he’s different and make no mistake his brother is a BEAST. Can’t wait for his debut

[@throwawayprod]

The most underrated MMA channel by FAR. Leo, I love the content. Keep it up man, your video style is very unique and entertaining. This is insanely well done 👏

[@LeoCooperMMA]

Kind words mate. Thank you so much! Working on improving

[@iKYRISH]

Ilia will be the undisputed GOAT by the end of his career. No debate; it’s destiny.

[@HoboGardenerBen]

I had a weird series of powerful dreams about Ilia the night before his fight. Wasn't freaky or anything, just felt a huge significance about his rise as a fighter.

[@Siscon92]

How tf do Ilia fans actually talk like this. Not even Pereira fans are like this and he defended his belt already multiple times and won at different divisions

[@HoboGardenerBen]

@@Siscon92 Just a gut feeling

[@ivarboneless-kd3ml]

@@HoboGardenerBen man i had nightmares of ilia catching volk with a right hand and the way volk was running from his power in r1 i knew it was about to happen

[@ivarboneless-kd3ml]

@@Siscon92 Max is the only challenge for him at featherweight

[@whoizits]

self-destructive?

[@ware_fly7498]

This guy is the perfect villain for the ufc. Especially with the amount big fan favorites in the FW division. Topuria is a perfect heel champion who’s well rounded everywhere with a perfect record after having just knocked out the best champ in the division. Dude has a Thanos vibe to him 😂

[@trafield22]

Leo said on stream that it was gonna be one of his best vids, looks like he wasnt wrong

[@YouAreWrongAndIAmRightBro]

cap

[@trafield22]

YouAreWrongAndIAmRightBro

[@joeferdez1584]

Good video, my guy Greetings from Spain 🇪🇸

[@HoboGardenerBen]

Cool! I didn't know Ilia had a brother fighter in the UFC. Brother champions would be a lot of fun, like what has happened in grappling with all the elite twin brother combos.

[@nicholastmccaffery]

Great video. I’m a fan of both yours and topuria after this

[@EtienneHackett]

This guy literally doesn’t miss.

[@LeoCooperMMA]

Neither does Ilia 🤝

[@jakeanderson9893]

This is the first video ive watched of yours and its great. Subd

[@timw4432]

Leo is great, go watch some of his other stuff

[@LeoCooperMMA]

Welcome aboard

[@Exoticband1123]

my goat finally getting props

[@perryf.5844]

Very well done doc! 👏🏼 Great editing and narration. Got some real talent

[@TakeNoPrisoners]

Wow instant fan bro, make the same for our rival for Max, big respect to him as well

[@LiesandLogic]

This is a really great video! Subscribed!

[@logosfocus]

they doing a good job marketing him.. will be a tough to see max take hella damage but bound to he a banger good stuff leo, _ good luck and Godbless to both warriors 🙏

[@jonathangwinn490]

I want Ilia Topuria in GOAT status and to retire undefeated - I want that for him equal to or more than I've wanted something for anyone before. What an inspiring life and outlook. We all need real inspiration like this.

[@Outlaw__18]

Love his boxing style so clean

[@montgomeryisrael]

amazing video, greetings from Georgia

[@lisabillannunziata6830]

Watched this in its entirety. Very well-choreographed. Enjoyed it very much Leo.

[@kreamshotpp]

What the fuck is self-destructive about this? Good video, bad title m8

[@ShawnFX]

yea im not sure why he chose that wording lol

[@AwareWolfOnWheels]

Because nobody likes Ilia.

[@Exoticband1123]

@@AwareWolfOnWheels just crybaby max/volk fans

[@Reemo8800]

​@@Exoticband1123 I like all 3 guys and watching the trio of Volk, Max and Ilia fans be at each others throats in the comments has been such a treat😂😂😂

[@That1stoobidguy]

My understanding is that Illia has built himself up as this next GOAT of the sport and has a big ego online and offline. One day when he eventually loses, all that talk is going to be turned to ridicule fuel for the masses. But for now hes backing up all his talk real good.

[@timw4432]

Your content is top tier brother. Absolutely love your style 👌

[@LeoCooperMMA]

[@ManabuHori]

Whoa i have not been early before , love seeing some Ilia love over here!

[@EmmaDurie-jt1vc]

Good channel, decent content.... well done,keep it up... looming forward to more..... let's goooo!!!

[@ottosigua2684]

Remember, both of his parents are georgian, he just lives in Spain 👍

[@DemetriusTradicion]

He earned the spanish citizenship and our respect. He's one of us now.

[@fernandomaron87]

@@DemetriusTradicion this is weird, like some brazillians claiming Diego Lopez as brazilian when he is clearly a mexican. Does Spain suffers from lack of idols or something?

[@DavidDavid-ll6gh]

@@DemetriusTradicion he was granted Spanish citizenship after he won the belt, just because of the belt, piece of paper doesn't give a person nationality,

[@Jesus-rq1rh]

Ilia considers himself spaniard. He even said that if there's a war he would defend spain, cos that's the country in wich his family and life is. He also has the spanish nationality.

[@annats4439]

@@Jesus-rq1rhHe kind of says the same thing abt Georgia in Geo interviews, I don’t understand why is that even surprising that he loves the country he lives in? He would not be there is he didn’t feel like it. 😁 Anyways I don’t understand the argument, he is very clearly ethically Georgian, he only just got dual citizenship. Represents Georgia officially. I understand that he loves Spain feels like Spain etc. but you can’t change your DNA just because you like living somewhere

[@pierret.5304]

what a great video man, keep it up !

[@victormoeckx7382]

Ilia against Holloway is going to be a hell of a fight

[@saljewsteinbergowitz]

nah ilia is going to fuck him up pretty bad. He may even knock him out cold. I wouldn't be surprised. He's a seriously dangerous guy.. Eastern and Central Europeans are just different. It's like they have more bone density and they seem to be the naturally strongest people on earth. I think this has been proven too.

[@marto179]

Top video, man, cheers! Ilia is a great fighter, as much as it broke my heart when he ko-ed Volk, he deserves it.

[@LeoCooperMMA]

I was sad too, but its hard not to be a fan of the man. Can't wait for 308!

[@Alimcl990]

I can tell this video will be worth the wait ❤

[@The3Dsmash]

Well done! Superb writing, footage curation, editing and narration. Definitely keeping an eye on your channel.

[@Beraw33669]

This video is so good, good job man. Subscribed!

[@jbustillos45]

22:56 chills bro

[@deborameltroso5245]

The vid is incredible. Just one insignificant detail: in 0:57 he said he had to separate from his parents because they were moving to Spain (until he was 15, when they reunited in said country), not that his parents were literally separating/getting divorced. Keep it up, loved the video.

[@Caligula6969]

Great channel bro, keep up the good work👍🏻

[@glennmahoney3911]

Im very happy to come across this channel. Great content.. thank you.

[@TheMegaBucks]

Amazing video brother

[@ChristopherRenner-c7q]

This was awesome well done brother..Illa has it all he is that good ..i think Max is in trouble but i been wrong before...May the best man win this going to be a fun fight to watch i promises that 👍

[@thecasualscagemma]

Great content my friend! Congrats , the growth of your channel is inevitable!👏

[@LeoCooperMMA]

Thank you kindly sir

[@J__Way]

Love your videos bro

[@LeoCooperMMA]

[@dennisdjy]

I'd like to see him go up against the tops in a couple of divisions. He's on his streak. Let's see ahead. He seems the total package on the ground and standing. Machachev vs Topuria. C'mon Dana!

[@rlbob5333]

This video could age so horribly I can’t wait

[@rondosantana9773]

Wait longer

[@jundub_313]

Great video dude ✔👌

[@fantasticfin1496]

That out of nowhere Finnish commentary 3:35 got me cracking lol, TORILLE!

[@DavidTheBrain_]

youre a great youtuber

[@K4ReeL187]

good to see you captured his backstory and rise to champion 8:06 the beef with Paddy is very justified (shame the UFC didnt mention it)

[@nolannalon6437]

I like this channel. Keep up the good job.

[@victormoeckx7382]

I think that "The self constructing rise of Ilia Topuria" would be a more accurate tittle for this great history

[@bibbole5351]

MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT FROM JAMAICA TO ILIA - LONG MAY YOU REIGN-!!! 🥊💥🥊

[@HoboGardenerBen]

He's had the best rise of anyone currently fighting except Alex Pereira. I think he'll go down as the GOAT of the sport until the next great one rises up even farther because the bar they started at was lifted up by the previous round.

[@samirsolai7579]

The only thing I do not understand about this great video is the title? unless it's a cheap clickbait

[@saljewsteinbergowitz]

Leo that mullet is seriously fucking based

[@ReyLeichtle]

Max is gonna put it on this boy

[@MuanteaMuantea-m1w]

No matter what the mindset and violence stays the same be dominant and humble or be dominated

[@Prason-c4c]

Banger vid.

[@jonathangwinn490]

We all know Pimblett would still act like Topuria is beneath him but we ALL also know, as well does Ilia, that he would make QUICK work out of that little english twerp. I'd LOVE to see that!

[@naligsEkr]

Excellent vid but I don't understand the title of the video: when + how has TOPURIA been self destructive??? 😎❤️

[@dddjali]

nice video, greetings from spain 🇪🇸🐂⚔

[@maxwellpy8873]

This is one of the best videos ive ever seen.

[@LeoCooperMMA]

@@maxwellpy8873 ❤️❤️

[@jamesgarner4127]

Great video

[@50KaliberBMG]

Great video he might be in such self belief that seems delusional, if he pulls off a KO vs Max there has to be a sequel called the “illusion of delusion of brilliance of illia”

[@ellanes77]

Well done sir

[@raphaelbarreto2486]

First of all, well done with the video, the production quality is outstanding. However, I would like to know what is the reasoning for labeling Topuria's career as self-destructive ? I would associate that term with fighters like post-mayweather Conor or Mark Kerr. Nothing in Ilia's behaviour suggests that he is taking anything lightly or doesn't train his ass off.

[@playlist9980]

Clickbait. Or maybe he doesn't know what that word means

[@LILREMAlNS]

1:57 his dad has that famous Topuria glare😂

[@kingsiram]

Kickass mullet bro

[@LeoCooperMMA]

Hahaha thank you

[@daviddonadze221]

Nice video. Ilia will sleep max on a 3d round

[@ParadoxxTheChad]

WELL IN LADDDDD

[@fantommorbius5175]

Ilia will be cutting Paddy like Sukiana the baddie. 😂

[@coolhandlew]

Great Performance against Dean Garnett last night man 👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼

[@LeoCooperMMA]

Lmfaoooo

[@bigbrotherimprovement]

Looks like ilia is about to either win a lot of fans or become the most hated man in the ufc (behind jones) but if he gets a nasty KO or even just wins then he beats two beloved legends back to back and that’s going to make anyone a heel

[@kropicha2204]

Make a vid about merab too

[@davidjones8043]

Merab is not worth a five min video 😂

[@vatichild]

@@davidjones8043 Thats why u m8 be a loser, if you don't respect people like Merab.

[@machallenges67]

Not sure enough highlights g

[@spoiledveggie]

Lol no

[@alonsoibarra5264]

I’ll come back to this video when max holds the bmf belt and ufc champion belt

[@rondosantana9773]

Hahahaha

[@jangabb331]

Lmfaooo hey bro you good?

[@kylemendes7246]

max is still a goat. his time has passed. but hey thats whats amazing about this fucking sport. you never know whats going to really happen.

[@rainbowsheep6976]

nice vid

[@sammavitae114]

Illia will knock out of Paddy every chicken wing he ever ate.

[@daynerdude1]

Gonna be a great fight i think if max can keep his distance he will win

[@Manuel_Chinaski]

Paddy must know deep in his soul that Topuria would acapella the left side of his chest .

[@BexMilze]

Funny how same night, Two future champs had UFC debut

[@ArchieBald38]

Having a Spanish passport doesn't make you Spaniard :) but big thank you to Spain for giving Ilia so much in his professional and personal life! Update after watching full video - you've done a great job Leo Cooper MMA!

[@playlist9980]

OK, I've informed the authorities and now Ilia no longer has voting rights. Thanks for the heads-up.

[@schneider0942]

Great video. And topuria is a bad man

[@MaikElKnight]

Great vid! I'm a huge fan of Volk but Ilia is the next Great. The Blessed downfall will start with the next fight.

[@wawuwa]

Congrats to this great Video !!!

[@AbRaHaMxDLol]

Vaya pedazo de video!!❤

[@conorthompson943]

Only thing destructive about Ilia is his fists in the octagon

[@holdencawffle626]

Emmett is very one dimensional Just like Faber He's just been luckier than Faber Team alpha male sucks in general

[@onefootoutthedoor9937]

Ilia is 10x the fighter Paddy ever will be...

[@chadlink8199]

3:44 thought topuria went to heavyweight for a second lol

[@ainokea4u]

Where was the self destructive part?

[@catchthisfire]

hes so scared to lose the title

[@robertomugabe11]

one beat a journeyman to win a toy belt..another one beat the GOAT to win a championship belt

[@eddames9839]

nope. Max will bless Topuria with his first loss that will help make him a better fighter.

[@Coa_Kralj_Coa_The_King]

So many fighters fall down when they started to think that they’re so superior that they don’t need even to training, then they go down! Like Volkanovski! He beat Islam in first fight with full camp ⛺️ but on short notice, without preparation he paid ultimate price!!!

[@SHAAAaaaOLiiiiN]

Just imagine how Ilia would punish Paddy if they ever fought, damn. Also quite funny that Paddy went to top15 rank since then while Topuria to title holder, LOL! The only thing I honestly don't like about Ilia is that he can't decide, he is either Spanish or Georgian. And that he is trying to copy McGregor. Other than that he is a great fighter.

[@babaghozi7420]

he is bigger version of Cody Garbrandt?