Daniel Cormier was amazed by Ilia Topuria’s knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025, in Las Vegas. The former UFC champ and commentator shared his take on his YouTube channel, praising Topuria’s star power and breaking down a potential fight with Islam Makhachev. He also weighed in on a possible Paddy Pimblett matchup.
Cormier’s Take on Topuria
Topuria, 28, became the first undefeated two-division UFC champ. Cormier said:
“The kid’s very impressive. He’s only 28 years old. He’s only had nine UFC fights and he’s already a double champion. He’s the real deal. Ilia Topuria’s a real life star, man. He really is. I think we’re going to be watching this kid for a real long time, as long as he stays the course. He seems to be doing all the right things. As long as he stays the course I believe he’s going to be very valuable and in the championship picture or as the champion at 155 for a long time.”
He sees Makhachev as a big challenge.
“I think Islam gets by him, but I think Islam would be one of the greatest challenges he would have because they’re both just next level, but right now he seems to be separating himself from everybody. It’s just unbelievable,” Cormier said.
Makhachev, who vacated the lightweight title to chase welterweight gold, is set to face Jack Della Maddalena in November 2025.
Topuria, 17-0, joined the UFC in 2020, going 9-0. Born in Georgia and raised in Spain, he won the featherweight title by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024. He defended it against Max Holloway at UFC 308 in October 2024, becoming the first to knock out Holloway. After giving up the featherweight belt, he knocked out Oliveira at UFC 317 with a right hand and left hook at 2:27 of round one to claim the lightweight title.
Paddy Pimblett faced off with Topuria in the cage after UFC 317, sparking talk of a title fight. Cormier said:
“I believe that’s a great fight. Paddy will have to use his size on Ilia if he wants a chance, though. Because he is not as good a striker as Charles Oliveira, and you saw what Ilia did to Charles. But you’ve got to be very careful on the Paddy Pimblett side to make sure you’re doing the right things and try to get him down. Charles didn’t have much success taking him down.”
Pimblett, 23-3, beat Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April 2025. His 2021 clash with Topuria at UFC London adds heat to their rivalry. Topuria wants Pimblett next, possibly in Las Vegas. A Makhachev fight could happen if he beats Della Maddalena, with Topuria open to welterweight. Cormier believes Topuria’s youth and skill make him a long-term champ, but Makhachev’s grappling is a tough test. The lightweight division is wide open, and Topuria’s next move will be big.
