What makes Ilia Topuria so untouchable? Dubbed ‘El Matador,’ the undefeated featherweight champion boasts a pristine 16-0 record. At UFC 298, he delivered a thunderous second-round knockout of Alexander Volkanovski to claim the featherweight crown, solidifying his place as one of the most feared fighters in the UFC today. A few months later, he did the impossible by becoming the first man to KO Max Holloway at UFC 308.

Ranked #4 on the pound-for-pound list, Topuria’s mix of striking, grappling, and sheer confidence has left fans and fighters alike asking, who can stop this man?But is he truly unbeatable? Let’s explore three fighters who could potentially dethrone the king of the featherweight division.

The grappling machine Movsar Evloev, who never stops

Could Movsar Evloev be the man to crack Topuria’s seemingly invincible armor? The Russian grappling specialist, currently ranked #4 in the featherweight division, has quietly built a perfect 19-0 record. His relentless pace, fight IQ, and world-class grappling make him a nightmare for just about anyone in the Octagon.

Interestingly, this dream matchup was almost a reality. Back in 2022, Topuria and Evloev were scheduled to clash at UFC 270. Unfortunately, the fight fell through when Evloev tested positive for COVID-19. The cancellation left fans with a million “what ifs.” Since then, both fighters have been on parallel trajectories, with Topuria capturing the featherweight crown and Evloev climbing the rankings. Speaking about the missed fight, Evloev didn’t mince words, “If he’s really a champion, he should fight the best.”

This matchup would come down to styles. Evloev’s grappling-heavy approach could potentially neutralize Topuria’s explosive striking. But there’s more to it than just styles. Evloev’s unrelenting pace and cardio could test Topuria’s endurance in the later rounds, a factor that hasn’t been fully explored yet.

Would Ilia Topuria’s power fade as the fight drags into the championship rounds, or could he land the one shot that changes everything? Fans have been clamoring for this fight ever since it was canceled. With both men undefeated, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Could 2025 finally be the year we see these two warriors settle their unfinished business in the octagon?

The fan favorite Diego Lopes with a champion’s mindset

What if the answer to Topuria’s dominance lies in the hands of Diego Lopes? Known for his dynamic skill set and fearless approach, Lopes is currently ranked #3 in the featherweight division with an impressive 26-6 record. He’s riding a four-fight win streak and has made it clear that his sights are set on featherweight gold.

Lopes isn’t just another contender—he’s a wildcard. His adaptability inside the cage is his greatest strength. Unlike many fighters who rely heavily on one discipline, Diego Lopes is a true all-rounder who can strike, grapple, and adjust his strategy mid-fight.

In a recent interview, Lopes shared his thoughts on a potential showdown with Topuria, “I think it’s a big fight. Ilia is complete, he’s a good boxer, good jiu-jitsu, and good wrestling but my coaches are so smart. When they watch the fights they follow the minimal details to work this. I remember sitting with my coach and watching Ilia (fights), my coach knows I (will win) this fight. Maybe it’s a hard fight but I think it’s possible it’s a good fight against Ilia.”

The idea of this fight happening in Spain adds another layer of intrigue. Topuria, who proudly represents Spain, would have the home-field advantage. Imagine the atmosphere, an entire arena roaring in support of their hometown hero. But could Lopes flip the script and silence the crowd? His fearless mindset and unshakable self-belief make him a compelling underdog in this potential matchup.

Moreover, Lopes has a knack for thriving in high-pressure situations. He’s shown time and again that he’s not afraid to fight in enemy territory, and he has the skills to make any fight competitive. Could he be the man to hand Topuria his first-ever loss?

The bantamweight phenom Umar Nurmagomedov, who could make history

What if the biggest threat to Ilia Topuria doesn’t even fight in his division, yet? Enter Umar Nurmagomedov, the undefeated #2-ranked bantamweight with an 18-0 record. ‘Young Eagle’ has been carving his own path in MMA while carrying the legacy of his cousin, the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov. Though Umar currently competes at bantamweight, many fans are eager to see him move up to featherweight for a potential clash with Topuria. While Umar has downplayed the idea of switching divisions, citing his smaller frame, the thought of two undefeated fighters with contrasting styles meeting in the Octagon is undeniably thrilling.

Adding fuel to the fire, Umar has weighed in on Topuria’s recent feud with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, advising the featherweight champion to stay focused on his own division. But what if Umar himself decides to step up to challenge “El Matador”? With his impeccable grappling, razor-sharp striking, and unyielding will to win, Umar could pose a threat that Topuria has never encountered before.

Each of these fighters brings something unique to the table. Evloev’s grappling-heavy style, Diego Lopes’ adaptability, and Umar Nurmagomedov’s all-around dominance. All of these makes them compelling contenders to end Ilia Topuria’s reign.

But here’s the million dollar question, will any of them get their shot? Or will Topuria continue his march up the pound-for-pound rankings, leaving a trail of defeated challengers in his wake? What do you think? Which of these fighters has the best chance of dethroning the featherweight king? Or is Ilia Topuria destined for even greater heights? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!