Ilia Topuria, the UFC’s undefeated featherweight champion, is drawing comparisons to boxing icons Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson for a trait that transcends his knockout power: supreme confidence. Legendary boxing trainer Teddy Atlas, in a recent interview with BetVictor Online Casino, highlighted Topuria’s unshakable self-belief as a defining quality shared by these combat sports legends.
Atlas, who trained under Hall of Fame coach Cus D’Amato, recalled D’Amato’s observation that such confidence is “very rare,” remarking, “He only knew two people that ever had it: Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali.” The trainer emphasized that Topuria embodies this mindset, describing it as an unwavering conviction that “nothing on earth” can derail victory—even if losses occur. This mentality, Atlas argued, was evident when Topuria boldly updated his Instagram bio to “UFC featherweight champion” days before knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. The Georgian-born Spaniard’s audacity extended to hosting a pre-fight victory celebration before his title-winning bout against Charles Oliveira, underscoring his trademark self-assurance.
Beyond psychological resilience, Topuria credits his striking mastery to one of boxing’s modern greats. During an appearance on the PBD Podcast, the 28-year-old revealed he studied Canelo Alvarez’s training footage daily, adopting techniques that fueled his rapid ascent. “We were trying to copy that, to repeat that,” Topuria said, noting Alvarez’s influence on his precision and aggression. This cross-discipline inspiration has paid dividends: Topuria’s hybrid style has dismantled elite opponents like Volkanovski and Max Holloway, solidifying his status as a dual-threat in MMA.
Atlas’s praise coincides with Topuria’s meteoric rise in the UFC, where he has amassed a 15-0 record in under five years. While his power and technique are undeniable, analysts increasingly point to his Ali-like bravado as a psychological edge. As discussions about future matchups intensify—including potential superfights in new weight classes—Topuria’s blend of confidence and skill continues to captivate combat sports audiences worldwide.
