A former opponent of Ilia Topuria was determined that he gave the legend his toughest test.
On Saturday evening 'El Matador' will try to become a two-weight champion when he looks at Charles Oliveira on UFC 317 in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Whether the Brazilian can find a way to resolve the puzzle can still be seen.
On a media day in 2024, however, a hunter claimed that he is the man who came closest.
Sheesh: Ilia Topuria gives a cold reaction to Charles Oliveira and claims that he is hit harder for UFC 317
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Youssef Zalal said he was Ilia Topuria's toughest fight ever
While Chael Sonen claimed that Islam was avoided Makhachev Ilia Topuria, Youssef Zalal liked to jump in the cage with the Spanish-georgian.
The Moroccan went against each other with the Power Puncher on October 11, 2020, in the Du Forum on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, VAE.
While Topuria controlled the action, Zalal produced a lively effort, giving his opponent the distance.
During a press conference for UFC on ESPN 53 almost four years later, the MMA star claimed that he gave the gifted competitor his most difficult challenge.
Zalal said: “Ilia's most difficult match-up was me. Josh Emmett was not a hard match-up, that was an easy match-up.”
Ilia Topuria said that he had to follow Islam Makhachev to Welterweight by a UFC legend
At the weekend, Ilia Topuria will try to write the next chapter of his incredible story, and if he does this successfully, he could pick up the key to another big fight.
Currently, a confrontation against Islam Makhachev is looking out of reach, with the Dagestani going up a weight class.
However, the collision of legends can still be possible.
Now a UFC icon says that Topuria Makhachev has to pursue to Welterweight.