Ilia Topuria confident that he can beat Khabib in a dream fight

26 February 2024

In a recent interview following his monumental victory at UFC 298, newly crowned undisputed featherweight champion Ilia Topuria expressed his aspirations for a dream matchup against former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Topuria, who captured the featherweight title with a stunning knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski, revealed his eagerness to step into the octagon with the Dagestani legend, confidently asserting his belief in his ability to emerge victorious.

Speaking candidly about his admiration for Nurmagomedov, Topuria emphasized the significance of a potential showdown with the undefeated MMA icon. "I would be happy to enter the octagon with Khabib Nurmagomedov," Topuria remarked. "He had an undefeated record at 29-0, and he had an attractive record for me, then also history. He is a worthy and honourable champion for me. [I would 100% defeat him].”

Nurmagomedov, who retired from professional competition in late 2020 following a dominant victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, boasts an impeccable record of 29 wins and no losses. Widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, Nurmagomedov's legacy looms large in the world of MMA.

Leading up to his title-winning bout at UFC 298, Topuria drew comparisons to former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor, showcasing his confidence and bravado. Despite facing skepticism from many in the lead-up to the fight, Topuria delivered a resounding performance inside the octagon, validating his bold predictions with a devastating second-round knockout of Volkanovski.