Ilia Topuria enters the Featherweight top 10 with a brilliant victory and Arm Triangle choke over Bryce Mitchell at UFC 282.
Starting smart Ilia knew takedowns would be coming. Setting his base low to sprawl any shots. He did this well only succumbing to one of Bryce’s attempts late in the first.
His striking was on point keeping the forward pressure heavy. With a piston-like right hand, he landed it frequently throughout the first.
Into the second Mitchell came out firing and landing well. However, Topuria would soon find his equaliser in the form of a huge right-hand dropping Mithcell. Following Thug Nasty to the mat, he got to work.
Using ground and pound to try to finish the fight. As Bryce moved to avoid the strikes Ilia found the opportunity to secure the second-round submission.
What’s Next?
Still undefeated Ilia Topuria continues to prove he’s a huge problem to the Featherweight elite. Ranked at #14 before this bout, wiping out #9 will put the Georgian in good stead going forward.
Taking out one of the strongest grapplers in the division Ilia has shown he can both strike and grapple his way to a win. Likely to enter the Featherweight top 10 next week. Topuria enters one of the most dangerous runs in the sport.
Never one to back down from a challenge Topuria will say yes regardless of the opponent next time out. With top talents throughout the division, any opponent is a test. However, three names that stand out are Giga Chikadze, Calvin Kattar, and Movsar Evloev all of which would be great fights.
The UFC 282 press conference may have added fuel to an already existing fire between Ilia and Paddy Pimblett. Should results go the right way, we might see Topuria step up to Lightweight and challenge the Scouser in a bad-blood bout.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
