Ilia Topuria reveals the secret to his success in the UFC

With the great achievements Ilia Topuria has achieved in recent years, mixed martial arts (MMA) has reached a mass audience in Spain. It's even reaching people who may not have had previous contact with contact sports. Therefore, at first glance, it may give the impression of a "barbaric" discipline, but nothing could be further from the truth. Where some see only senseless blows intended to injure the opponent, the truth is that behind it lies an art , and even a science.

Elite fighters are artists. Only the best of the best reach the top leagues, like the UFC, so it's not a result of throwing punches left and right. It all comes from study, effort, and sacrifice. Ilia Topuria's success is no coincidence . If he's reached the top of the sport, it's because of the combination of these three qualities at their best. Everything counts, everything is important to differentiate yourself from the rest. There can only be one pound-for-pound number one in the UFC . Right now, it's Topuria, and it's no coincidence.

In a recent interview with the content creators of the 'Nelk Boys' channel, El Matador revealed one of the activities that allows him to stand out. "I have graphs of every punch my opponent has thrown and where he's thrown it. We watch all his fights, where he feels most comfortable, so I won't give him the opportunity to stay there; I'll fight for that spot," he explained. Although Topuria is often accused of being immodest, this proves the opposite. He doesn't look down on his opponent; on the contrary, he studies everything about him.

He also mentions an unusual method he uses. "I don't think of myself as fighting any opponent, like Charles (Oliveira), for example. I think of ourselves as Charles's team, and we analyze weaknesses, like, 'What do we do against Ilia?' We analyze everything from Charles's perspective ," he notes. All this work is then reflected inside the cage. Inside the eight walls, there's no room for lies, only for the work you've done during your preparation.

In addition to your physical work and combat skills, the respect you have for your opponent is also evident. The time you have invested in studying and analyzing them, with the goal of knowing how to counter everything they can offer. Ilia Topuria does this, which is why we say she has reached the top. There is no greater demonstration of respect for your opponent than to prepare thoroughly , giving everything you can.