Weight classes exist in combat sports for a reason—size matters. A bigger fighter holds a natural advantage over a smaller opponent, and history has proven it time and again. However, UFC star Dustin Poirier believes Ilia Topuria is an exception. Poirier recently stated that Topuria possesses knockout power capable of finishing anyone, regardless of size, from featherweight to welterweight.
Ilia Topuria has been unstoppable, rising fast by taking down one tough opponent after another. From Alexander Volkanovski to Max Holloway, the UFC featherweight champ has knocked out legends and proven he’s the real deal. Now, with his sights set on the lightweight division, Topuria is aiming even higher. Dustin Poirier’s recent praise only fuels the growing hype, backing the undefeated contender as a true knockout threat across multiple weight classes.
In his words, “There are still guys for Topuria at 145 to fight…But that being said, Topuria is an assassin. I believe he can knock out everybody from 145 pounds to 170 pounds.”
👀💪Dustin Poirier talks on Ilia Topuria:
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) February 7, 2025
"Topuria is assassin. I believe he can knock out everybody from 145 pound to 170 pounds."
🎥 @TheSchmo312 ▫️ pic.twitter.com/Z47Ata6YVM
Michael Bisping Calls Ilia Topuria Can Outclass Bigger Opponents
UFC Veteran Bisping also believes Topuria has the best shot at overcoming the size and strength gap in a potential move up in weight. Speaking on Submission Radio, Bisping acknowledged his doubts about whether Topuria could handle the physicality of bigger opponents but admitted that if anyone could, it would be the current featherweight champion.
He said, “Islam is incredible. Ilia is a smaller guy though, so you take two guys with great skill sets, the bigger guy is always going to win, but if anyone is going to make that happen, it’s Ilia Topuria. He’s knocking out everybody and apparently he is even better at wrestling than he is at boxing.”
Highlighting Topuria’s rapid rise and dominant performances, he pointed out the fighter’s knockout power and wrestling skills, suggesting he could be a serious threat even at lightweight. It will be interesting to see how Topuria handles the challenges of a bigger weight class.
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Also Read: Ilia Topuria Makes Bold Claim Of Submitting Alexander Volkanovski In Their Rematch
