Spanish mixed martial artist of Georgian origin Ilia Topuria topped the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, displacing Russian Islam Makhachev from first place. This was reported on the promotion's official website.
Topuria won the vacant lightweight title with a first-round knockout of Brazil's Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in Las Vegas. The title became vacant after Makhachev vacated the belt and moved up to welterweight to fight the division's new champion, Australian Jack Della Maddalena.
Thanks to the spectacular victory over Oliveira, Topuria climbed two positions in the pound-for-pound rankings and took first place. Makhachev dropped to second place.
For 27-year-old Topuria, this is the second UFC championship belt. He previously held the featherweight title. The Georgian fighter remains undefeated with a record of 17 wins and no losses.
The pound-for-pound ranking is compiled without regard to weight categories and is considered an indicator of a fighter's technical skill. It takes into account the quality of victories, the level of opponents and the overall contribution to the development of mixed martial arts.
