Former UFC champion names third name in the race for the top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings

aljamain sterling He is a former bantamweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @funkmastermma

Ilia Topuria is the UFC's pound-for-pound number. The Georgian-Spanish fighter earned the position after winning Charles of the Bronx in the main fight of UFC 317 and become champion of the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg). The category's throne was vacated by the former overall first-place finisher: Islam makhachev, which now occupies second place in the pound-for-pound rankings. But the dispute is not just between the two names in the opinion of aljamain sterling. For the former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg), there is a third fighter running on the outside: Merab Dvalishvili.

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"I'd say it's a three-way race between Ilia, Merab, and Islam. I think if (Dvalishvili) wins one more, I think he's (number one). I don't think there's any denying it, especially if he can finish again," he said. aljamain sterling em interview ao 'MMA Crazy'.

"If you put Merab at the same size, pound for pound, with any of these guys with his skill set, I think he does the same thing to all of them. You can argue and argue that he really would be number one—and he should be," argued the friend of the current bantamweight champion.

Merab Dvalishvili overwhelming

Merab Dvalishvili is the bantamweight champion. Photo: Reproduction Instagram/UFC

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Merab Dvalishvili had the chance to fight for the belt with then champion Sean O'Malley at UFC Night, held in September last year at the newly opened 'Esfera' in Las Vegas (USA). The Georgian took the belt after winning by unanimous decision that main fight of the UFC 306.

In less than a year, Merab won the belt and defended it twice. His first title defense was in UFC 311 – the first numbered 2025 – when he faced Umar Nurmagomedov, Khabib's cousin, and also won by decision. He then offered a rematch to Sean O'Malley in June of this year and won by submission in the third round.

Ilia Topuria's UFC Future

Ilia Topuria poses with two UFC belts after victory against Charles of the Bronx. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

At 28 years old, Topuria won his second UFC belt at the same age that Conor became a two-time champion in the organization. Known for his knockout power and ability to finish on the ground, the Spaniard has nine victories in the UFC, seven of which were won quickly. In his last three appearances, 'El Matador' has knocked out all of his rivals.

As they trade barbs, the decision on the next challenger remains in suspense. President Dana White avoided any commitments after the UFC 317, even with the stare between Topuria and Paddy Pimblett. Justin gaethje also figures in the dispute, including a threat of retirement if he doesn't get the chance.