Can anyone end Ilia Topuria's UFC dominance?

Ilia Topuria, known as "El Matador," has taken the UFC by storm. With an undefeated record of 16-0, he claimed the featherweight crown with a stunning second-round knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298.

Topuria further solidified his place in UFC history by becoming the first fighter to knock out Max Holloway at UFC 308.

Ranked #4 on the pound-for-pound list, Topuria's blend of explosive striking, elite grappling, and unshakable confidence has left both fans and fighters in awe.

But even as his dominance grows, whispers about potential challengers begin to emerge. Could there be fighters capable of ending his reign?

The Grappling Powerhouse

One name frequently mentioned as a potential challenger is Movsar Evloev, a Russian fighter with a flawless 19-0 record. Known for his relentless grappling and exceptional fight IQ, Evloev presents a stylistic challenge to Topuria.

The two were once scheduled to meet in 2022 at UFC 270, but the fight fell through when Evloev tested positive for COVID-19. Since then, both fighters have carved parallel paths - Topuria securing the featherweight title and Evloev climbing steadily up the rankings.

Evloev's grappling-heavy style could neutralize Topuria's explosive striking, forcing the fight into uncharted territory. While Topuria has dominated many opponents, his endurance in prolonged grappling exchanges remains relatively untested.

Evloev himself has hinted at a desire to face Topuria, saying, "If he's really a champion, he should fight the best." Should this fight happen, it would be a clash of contrasting styles with massive stakes for both fighters.

A Wildcard in Diego Lopes

Another intriguing name in the conversation is Diego Lopes, a dynamic and fearless contender currently ranked #3 in the featherweight division.

Known for his adaptability, Lopes is a fighter who can excel in both striking and grappling, making him a true all-rounder. Lopes has openly expressed his readiness to face Topuria, even suggesting that his team has already studied the reigning champion's game closely.

Lopes has proven himself adept at handling high-pressure situations, and his confidence in overcoming Topuria sets the stage for a compelling matchup.

If the fight were to take place in Spain, where Topuria enjoys massive , the atmosphere would only add to the drama. Lopes' ability to thrive as the underdog could make this a fight to .

Could Umar Nurmagomedov Pose a Threat?

While Topuria's challengers within the featherweight division are formidable, there's a wildcard possibility in Umar Nurmagomedov.

Currently competing at bantamweight, the undefeated cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov has been making waves with his blend of elite grappling and striking.

Though he has shown little interest in moving up a division, the idea of a super fight between two undefeated stars is tantalizing.

Umar has commented on Topuria's feuds with other champions, urging the featherweight king to focus on his own division. Should Umar decide to step up, his technical prowess and relentless fighting style could offer a fresh challenge to Topuria's reign.

While Ilia Topuria's dominance has been nothing short of extraordinary, every champion's reign is tested eventually.

Whether it's the relentless grappling of Movsar Evloev, the unpredictable skill set of Diego Lopes, or a potential cross-division clash with Umar Nurmagomedov, Topuria's mettle will undoubtedly face new challenges.

As 2025 unfolds, the featherweight division is primed for some of the most electrifying matchups in recent history, with Topuria at the center of it all. The question remains: who, if anyone, can rise to the occasion and dethrone "El Matador"?