The featherweight division has always been crucial in Dana White’s promotion, producing big names like Alexander Volkanovski, Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, and many others. With such a rich history filled with dangerous fighters, selecting the best one with devastating hands is no easy task. However, Sean O’Malley’s coach, Tim Welch, seems to have the answer. He recently named Ilia Topuria as the best knockout artist in the history of the 145-pound division.
Recently, during a chat with Submission Radio, Welch picked ‘El Matador,’ as the most devastating knockout artist especially after Topuria’s standout fight against Holloway. But let’s not forget, recency bias is a real thing, and that could totally be playing a role in the conversation.
When asked about it, Welch seemed a bit torn between Topuria’s knockout of Holloway and McGregor’s iconic finish of Jose Aldo. In the end, though, he went with the Spanish fighter over McGregor.
He stated, “In featherweight history you have to give it Topuria now. No one has ever done that to Max Holloway. I’m trying to think featherweight wise. Yeah! Conor, he cracked Jose Aldo. Man, that’s still a tough one, that’s still a tough one. But I do believe Ilia Topuria right now is just like man, he’s just so so so solid.”
McGregor never hung around at 145lbs long enough to defend his title, so it makes total sense. Fans might get the answer directly if the UFC books this matchup, especially since McGregor is set to make his return and Topuria has already called him out after his recent win. This fight could finally settle the debate once and for all.
Diego Lopez Calls Out Dana White and Co. For Ignoring His Shot at Ilia Topuria Fight
Recently, the UFC posted a picture on their social media asking fans who they think should be the next challenger for featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. The options included Islam Makhachev, Alexander Volkanovski, Conor McGregor, and others. Upon seeing this, Diego Lopez called out the UFC, questioning whether he was seen as a soccer player and suggesting that Dana White and the team are overlooking him despite his dominant run.
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Indeed, in the featherweight division, if not Volkanovski, then Lopez is the perfect candidate for the next title shot. In light of his dominant run where he outclassed Dan Ige, Brian Ortega, and others with ease. However, it will be interesting to see if Lopez gets his title shot or if Topuria will be facing someone else instead.
Also Read: Ilia Topuria Unhappy With Dana White After $50K Bonus For Max Holloway Knockout At UFC 308
