Not everyone praises Ilia Topuria’s perfect run in the UFC.

The UFC lightweight champion built a ruthless streak inside the Octagon and captured titles in two weight classes. “El Matador” just completed one of the most dominant three-fight runs in UFC history.

Topuria knocked out Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway at featherweight. He then brutally slept Charles Oliveira last June and claimed the lightweight title.

All three legends won major fights afterward. Shara Magomedov still believes this run and Topuria’s earlier victories deserve less recognition.

Magomedov Questions the Level of Topuria’s UFC Opponents

Few analysts attack Topuria’s UFC résumé. Some supporters already predict he could reach GOAT status if he keeps winning in dominant fashion.

Magomedov strongly disagrees and dismissed Topuria’s competition in a recent interview with @metammaplus.

“He is a good fighter, but if you look at how he got to the belt, he had four or five fights against questionable opponents,” Magomedov said.

“And when he fought really serious fighters, they were already worn out. I think Charles Oliveira was worn out.”

“Max Holloway was tough, but not like before,” he continued. “He took a lot of damage and slowed down. Alexander Volkanovski was also not at his old level.”

Magomedov’s UFC Record Includes a Loss to Michael ‘Venom’ Page

Topuria has not answered the dismissive comments yet. He could respond by pointing to Magomedov’s own loss inside the Octagon.

Unlike the Spaniard, “Bullet” did not stay undefeated in the UFC. After four wins and a 15-0 record, Magomedov lost to Michael “Venom” Page at UFC Saudi Arabia in February 2025.

The 38-year-old English striker was near the end of his career. He made only his second middleweight appearance and his first in twelve years.