Dillashaw: Topuria Better

TJ Dillashaw’s entrance into the discussion surrounding MMA’s elite fighters has once again lit up the combat sports world. The former two-time UFC bantamweight champion, who’s never held back when it comes to bold opinions, recently threw gasoline on an already fiery debate by declaring that Ilia Topuria could be a better fighter than the GOAT contender, Jon Jones.

Now, breathe. Yes, you read that correctly. Dillashawa man whose accolades and insights carry significant weight in MMA circlesthinks the young 145-pound phenom from Spain is operating on a level that could outshine one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history. Let’s unpack this.

Ilia Topuria: The Meteoric Rise

To understand where Dillashaw’s statement comes from, it’s worth taking a closer look at Topuria’s meteoric rise in the UFC. At just 26, the Georgian-born featherweight boasts an undefeated 14-0 record (as of this writing) with a jaw-dropping ability to seamlessly blend his grappling and striking. He’s a machine in the cage, generating hype that far exceeds most of his peers.

For Dillashaw to heap praise of this magnitude on Topuria, it begs a deeper dive into what the young phenom has already achieved:

• Submission artistry: Topuria has eight finishes via submission, showcasing a Brazilian jiu-jitsu pedigree that leaves opponents gasping for answers.
• Knockout power: Five KO finishes highlight his ability to end fights on the feet, proving he’s far from one-dimensional.
• Octagon IQ: Each fight he enters seems like a chess game he’s played 10 moves ahead of his opposition.

Few 145-pounders on the planet can compete with Topuria’s level of dominance. If there’s a fighter poised to shake up the hierarchy of the MMA world, it’s him.

Jon Jones: An Untouchable Legacy?

But better than Jon Jones? That’s a tall summit to climb. Jones, often hailed as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, is virtually untouchable as a UFC icon. The numbers alone are staggering:

1. Record: 27-1 (with the sole loss being a controversial disqualification).
2. Longest title reign: Eight consecutive light heavyweight title defenses.
3. Divisional dominance: Wins over Hall of Famers like Daniel Cormier, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, and Lyoto Machida.

And don’t forget his successful leap into the heavyweight division, defeating Ciryl Gane with relative ease to capture the heavyweight crown. Add in his unparalleled creativity, range, and adaptability in the Octagon, and Jon “Bones” Jones seems like a myth turned real.

It’s no wonder Dillashaw’s comment sparked controversy. To many fans, comparing Topuria to Jones is like comparing a promising rookie quarterback to Tom Brady. But Dillashaw might be onto something.

The Dillashaw Take: What Makes Topuria Special?

So why does Dillashaw think Topuria deserves a seat at the Jones table? For one, Dillashaw is seeing something uniquea blend of confidence, skill maturity, and discipline that’s rare in someone so young. In an era where brash posturing sometimes overshadows skill, Topuria lets his performances do the talking.

Dillashaw elaborated on his controversial claim in a recent interview:

“Look, Jon is incredibleunreal evenbut Ilia’s skillset right now might be more well-rounded than Jon’s was at the same stage of his career. His ability to control fights, whether standing or grappling, is special. The dude is a killer…”

This statement adds some nuance. Perhaps Dillashaw isn’t arguing that current Topuria is better than current Jones, but rather that Topuria today is a more complete fighter than Jones was in his first decade of dominance. That’s a conversation worth having.

A Controversial Yet Compelling Debate

Of course, Dillashaw’s comments have sparked plenty of debate within the MMA community. Social media has been ablaze with hot takes and split opinions:

• Some fans are calling Dillashaw’s statement “clickbait nonsense,” arguing that a young fighter with zero title defenses can’t be compared to Jones’ resume.
• Others claim the former champ has a point, appreciating his nuance about comparing developmental arcs rather than resumes.

One thing is for sure: Dillashaw knows how to stir the pot, and statements like these keep MMA fans engaged and invested.

Can Topuria Live Up to the Hype?

At the end of the day, only time will tell if Ilia Topuria can carve a legacy comparable toor surpassingthat of Jon Jones. There’s no denying that he has the tools to dominate in the featherweight division for years to come, and perhaps even make waves in higher weight classes.

But for now, the comparison feels premature. Jon Jones is a once-in-a-lifetime athlete who has shattered records and redefined divisions. Topuria might have the potential to do the same, but he’s only just begun climbing the mountain Jones already owns.

So what do you think? Is Dillashaw justified in his claim, or has he bitten off more than Topuriaor any young featherweightcan currently chew? Either way, there’s no denying that the spotlight on Ilia Topuria just got a little brighter.

If he keeps fighting the way he’s been, we may all find ourselves revisiting Dillashaw’s comments a few years from now and realizing he was ahead of the curve. For now, UFC fans, let’s sit back, enjoy the ride, and see how this unfolds.

Final Thoughts

Dillashaw has reignited a timeless debate: legacy versus potential. Jon Jones has the hardware, but Ilia Topuriaperhapshas the spark to create something equally spectacular. Whether you’re Team Bones or in Topuria’s corner as the next big thing, one fact remains: this is why we love MMA.

Who’s better? Only time (and plenty of electrifying Octagon moments) will tell.