Fans kicked off the GOAT conversation for Ilia Topuria after his brutal knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. While his power is undeniably devastating and delivered a thrilling spectacle, UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski believes Topuria’s cardio still needs to be tested before labeling him unbeatable.
The Spanish fighter showcased strong wrestling skills in his previous organization, earning multiple wins through grappling. However, UFC fans haven’t seen much of that side since his arrival. Many expected Charles Oliveira to keep ‘El Matador’ on the ground, but the fight ended quickly with a first-round knockout.
Volkanovski believes there’s still more to uncover. “Wrestle the bloke, mate. … We want to see the gas tank, see what happens there because I thought Charles (Oliveira) when he was taking him down, and forcing the wrestle and the grapple,” he said on the Flagrant podcast.
Alexander Volkanovski needs to see Ilia Topuria’s cardio pushed before declaring him unbeatable 🏃 pic.twitter.com/VZHZsHcxLo
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) July 5, 2025
‘The Great’ pointed out that during the brief moments Oliveira initiated wrestling, it seemed to wear on Topuria. He felt the pressure was starting to show. Meanwhile, fans could finally witness an actual wrestling battle if No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan faces Topuria soon.
Arman Tsarukyan Says Ilia Topuria Has Missed Weight Several Times
Rumors around Topuria’s weight struggles have resurfaced, fueled by top contender Arman Tsarukyan. Known for speaking his mind, Tsarukyan recently aimed at the Spanish champ on social media while teasing future fights with Paddy Pimblett and Topuria.
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Referencing the confusion at UFC 317, where Topuria was first announced at 155.5 lbs before it was corrected to 155, Tsarukyan didn’t hold back. He shared old screenshots of Topuria’s weigh-in troubles and posted:
“Another fun fact: Topuria regularly misses weight. So spare us the fairytales about fighting with one arm. You pulled out from fighting Charles Jourdain, hermanito…”
Another fun fact: Topuria regularly misses weight. So spare us the fairytales about fighting with one arm. You pulled out from fighting Charles Jourdain, hermanito… pic.twitter.com/mtiPvrKbfE
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) July 5, 2025
Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan have kicked off a heated back-and-forth on social media, fueling talk of a future showdown. Both fighters seem eager to settle things inside the Octagon, and if the matchup becomes a reality, fans could witness an epic clash of styles, a classic wrestler vs. striker battle that promises fireworks.
Also Read: Charles Oliveira Ups The Ante By Asking Ilia Topuria To ‘Respect’ Lightweight Fighters
