“I’ll Put P4P Number 1 Ilia Topuria” Says UFC Welterweight GOAT

The dust has barely settled from UFC 317, but the MMA world is still buzzing from the electric performances delivered during International Fight Week.

Among the standout names was none other than Ilia Topuria, who not only knocked out Charles Oliveira in devastating fashion but also captured the attention of the sport’s biggest icons including a UFC legend known for his pound-for-pound dominance.

A Card That Overdelivered

While initial reactions to the UFC 317 lineup were lukewarm, with many critics questioning whether it was truly “International Fight Week-worthy,” the event shattered expectations.

Fights like Payton Talbott’s comeback and Beniel Dariush’s gritty win set the tone. But it was Topuria’s main event performance that stole the show.

Kamaru Usman Declares Ilia Topuria Pound-for-Pound King

During the latest episode of Pound 4 Pound, UFC welterweight legend Kamaru Usman didn’t hold back in his praise for Ilia Topuria, calling the newly crowned lightweight champion the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Usman said:

“Ilia Topuria dominated Charles Oliveira in every facet of the game… He went to the ground, passed his guard, and crucified him. Who has shown all the skill sets and still put them away with his hands? Ilia is the most well-balanced mixed martial artist I’ve seen so far.”

That comment from a fighter like Usman, widely regarded as one of the greatest welterweights in UFC history, puts serious weight behind Topuria’s meteoric rise.

“He Called the Shot. That’s Scary.”

Usman further emphasized Topuria’s ability to back up his words, referencing how Topuria predicted a first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira—and delivered exactly that at UFC 317.

“Ilia said he’d knock him out in the first round—and he did. That’s scary. He’s not just talking; he’s doing it.”

The knockout left Oliveira’s head bouncing off the canvas, a devastating reminder of Topuria’s power.

Triple C Co-Signs the Praise

Henry Cejudo, co-host of the show and former two-division champion, agreed with Usman—though cautiously.

“You almost got to say this is the best international fight week card ever… Ilia is doing this against top-tier competition. I might have to give him pound-for-pound too.”

Still, Cejudo floated the idea that Arman Tsarukyan might pose a tougher stylistic challenge for Topuria than Charles did.

UFC’s Lightweight Division in Chaos

The conversation shifted toward what’s next for Topuria and the logjam at 155 lbs.

Cejudo advocated for Arman Tsarukyan to get the next shot:

“If you want to challenge the best 155-pounder, it’s Arman.”

Usman echoed the same, suggesting Paddy Pimblett isn’t ready, despite his post-fight faceoff with Topuria.

“You haven’t fought Arman. You haven’t fought Justin. You haven’t fought Charles. You haven’t fought Gamrot… It’s hard to just give you the title shot because you’ve got some heat.”

More on the Topuria–Pimblett faceoff: Dana White slams UFC 317 faceoff between Topuria and Paddy

A New Era Is Emerging

Both Cejudo and Usman praised the depth of the UFC 317 card.

From Payton Talbott’s gritty comeback win to Jose Miguel Delgado’s knockout debut, the episode highlighted how the UFC is producing new stars who can carry the torch.

“At the start of the year, it felt like the UFC was struggling for stars,” Usman said. “Now, I’m looking at guys like Ilia, Delgado, Talbott—and it’s exciting. These are the next generation.”