Huge Praise for Topuria – “ALREADY SURPASSED CONOR”
Mendez on Topuria’s Skills After UFC 308
The former kickboxing world champion and founder of AKA Javier Mendez had high praise for Ilia Topuria following UFC 308. Before the fight, the reigning featherweight champ had promised to achieve what no one else had managed—knocking out Max Holloway. In the fight’s early rounds, it was closely contested, but Topuria ultimately delivered on his promise in the third round.
With a powerful left hook, Topuria floored Holloway, becoming the first to do what many had thought impossible. Mendez, watching live, expressed his admiration in a Submission Radio interview, calling Topuria “a complete MMA fighter.”
– “I can confidently say he’s the best boxer in the division. He’s skilled with his boxing and uses it extremely well,” said Mendez, adding:
– “He’s a complete fighter, but boxing is his strongest asset,” Mendez stated.
Better Than McGregor
Topuria’s knockout of Holloway marked his fifth KO/TKO in the featherweight division since his UFC debut in October 2020. Initially known for his grappling, Topuria has since showcased elite striking.
Mendez also compared Topuria’s KO abilities to Conor McGregor’s, but said Topuria had surpassed McGregor as a more complete fighter.
– “When it comes to KO power, it’s him and Conor. But as a full package, he’s already surpassed Conor in terms of achievements and talent,” Mendez noted.
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Islam Makhachev as a Major Challenge
With Topuria holding the featherweight belt, questions arise about his next steps. A title defense against Alexander Volkanovski is almost certain, but Topuria has also voiced interest in the lightweight belt held by Islam Makhachev.
Mendez, while recognizing Topuria’s overall skill, suggested Makhachev would be a different level of grappling challenge, even though he was impressed by Topuria’s performance against Holloway on the ground.
– “I was impressed, but if it’s about whether he could handle Islam on the ground, I’d say no,” said Mendez, adding,
– “At the end of the day, the longer you grapple with Islam, the tougher it gets.”
Sources: MMAnytt.se
