When you think about modern-day MMA champions, long, grinding wars often come to mind. Fighters like Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Islam Makhachev have all gone deep into the championship rounds to defend their titles. But Ilia Topuria, the current lightweight king and pound-for-pound #1, is defying that narrative in shocking fashion. Across his last three fights, Topuria has only needed six rounds combined, finishing every opponent before the third bell. Is this an anomaly? A reflection of pure dominance? Or a ticking time bomb waiting to be tested in deep waters?

Topuria’s Last 3 Victories: Brutality in Record Time

Let’s break down Ilia Topuria’s last three fights, where his finishing ability has turned elite opponents into stepping stones.

First, there was Josh Emmett, the hard-hitting featherweight contender, known for his toughness and knockout power. Topuria systematically destroyed Emmett across five rounds, though this was the only recent fight that went the distance. What followed was far more violent.

In his next bout, Topuria challenged Alexander Volkanovski, the long-reigning featherweight champion and pound-for-pound #1 at the time. The world expected a technical battle. Instead, Topuria ended Volkanovski’s night in the second round with a brutal knockout, shocking the MMA world.

Then, at UFC 317, Topuria faced Charles Oliveira, one of the UFC’s most experienced finishers. In less than five minutes, Topuria overwhelmed him with crisp combinations, earning a first-round knockout that cemented his lightweight title claim.

The numbers don’t lie. Across his last three bouts, Topuria has spent only six full rounds inside the Octagon, finishing two of the most respected fighters in the sport in less time than most champions need to warm up.

What’s Behind the Early Finishes?

Fans and analysts alike are questioning what makes Topuria so dangerous early in fights. Part of it is his diverse striking arsenal. He mixes sharp boxing with powerful kicks, and his ability to close distance leaves opponents little room to adjust. His fight IQ, too, is exceptional—Topuria doesn’t waste energy feeling out his opponents; instead, he forces them to react to his pressure from the opening bell.

But it’s not just the hands. Topuria’s ground game remains a dangerous threat. With a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he keeps opponents guessing, making them hesitate to over-commit on the feet. It’s this dual-threat approach that leaves his foes vulnerable—and gives him the opportunity to finish early.

The Hidden Risk of an Early-Finish Fighter

However, history has shown that fighters who finish fights early are sometimes untested when dragged into deeper rounds. Look at cases like Conor McGregor, whose gas tank famously ran dry against Nate Diaz and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Or Francis Ngannou, who struggled when unable to finish Stipe Miocic early in their first encounter.

So far, Topuria hasn’t faced that problem. But the question remains—what happens when someone survives his early storm? What happens if an opponent drags him into rounds four and five, where fatigue, strategy, and mental toughness take over?

Who Could Force Topuria Into Deep Waters?

There are only a handful of fighters capable of surviving Topuria’s early onslaught.

Islam Makhachev, had he stayed at lightweight, could have been that man. His elite grappling, suffocating control, and measured striking would have provided the kind of stylistic puzzle that forces Topuria to adapt across multiple rounds.

Arman Tsarukyan is another name rising quickly. Tsarukyan’s wrestling, striking volume, and youthful endurance could stretch Topuria further than anyone before. With a gas tank seemingly built for five-round wars, Arman might be the perfect candidate to test the limits of the champ.

And don’t forget Justin Gaethje, whose legendary durability and offensive pressure have broken many opponents who tried to end him early.

Does Topuria Even Need Championship Rounds?

The irony in this debate is that, while everyone is questioning his stamina, Topuria may never need to answer those doubts. If he continues to finish elite fighters in one or two rounds, why should he be forced to prove anything in rounds four or five?

His early finishes reflect not recklessness, but efficiency. He’s not rushing for a highlight knockout; he’s creating calculated openings and capitalizing on them with precision. In this way, Topuria resembles some of MMA’s all-time greats. Anderson Silva, for example, rarely needed more than two rounds in his prime. Neither did Ronda Rousey, until her reign ended.

If Topuria keeps dominating, the question of his cardio may be irrelevant.

Breaking Down the Oliveira Knockout: A Masterclass in Pressure

The fight against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 showed the purest form of what makes Topuria terrifying. Oliveira, a submission wizard and former champion, thrives in chaos. Fighters who rush him often find themselves trapped in a choke or overwhelmed by his unorthodox striking.

But Topuria didn’t rush. He walked Oliveira down, forced him into defensive shells, and cut off his escape angles. The final flurry—a combination of precise hooks and straight punches—left Oliveira unconscious before the round could end.

It wasn’t wild power that finished Oliveira; it was tactical aggression, the sign of a fighter who knows exactly what he’s doing.

Is Topuria’s Streak Sustainable in the Long Run?

Maintaining an early-finish streak in a division as stacked as lightweight is nearly impossible. Eventually, the competition adapts. Fighters will study Topuria’s openings, survive his pressure, and look to exploit weaknesses in later rounds.

But even if his streak ends, Topuria has the tools to adapt. He’s not a one-dimensional brawler. His grappling, striking variety, and mental toughness give him the ability to adjust mid-fight—something finish-reliant fighters like Ngannou struggled with early in their careers.

The Psychology of a Fast Finisher

One overlooked aspect of Ilia Topuria’s fighting style is the psychological warfare it creates. Future opponents will now step into the Octagon already aware of the storm they’ll face in the first round. That mental burden forces many fighters to change their own game plan, opting for survival instead of victory.

This psychological pressure alone often leads fighters to make mistakes early, creating exactly the kind of openings Topuria thrives on.

How Fans Are Reacting to the Streak

Among MMA fans, Topuria’s early finishes have made him a global star. His highlight reels are shared endlessly on social media, and his post-fight confidence has drawn comparisons to legends like Conor McGregor and Jon Jones.

However, some critics argue that his short fights don’t provide enough evidence to crown him as a true all-time great just yet. Longevity, adaptability, and performance in adversity are key components of legacy—and Topuria still has much to prove on those fronts.

What’s Next for Ilia Topuria?

Topuria’s next fight could either extend his finishing streak or finally test his endurance.

If it’s Paddy Pimblett, as recent headlines suggest, Topuria might extend the streak easily. The Spaniard has repeatedly called Pimblett one of the easiest matchups for him in the division.

But if the UFC books him against a grinder like Arman Tsarukyan or welcomes back Islam Makhachev to lightweight, Topuria could be forced to fight his first true war. That’s where we’ll see the next layer of his greatness unfold—or where questions might finally be answered.

A Champion’s Burden: Can He Evolve Beyond the Streak?

The danger of early success is complacency. Many fighters who’ve enjoyed quick victories struggled when they finally met resistance. Champions who remain on top—fighters like Khabib, St-Pierre, and Jon Jones—proved they could win ugly, dig deep, and survive when things didn’t go their way.

For Topuria to become an all-time great, he’ll eventually need to show that too. Whether it comes in the form of adversity in the cage or through multiple title defenses, greatness is tested over time, not just in highlight reels.

Final Thoughts: Is the Streak a Gift or a Curse?

In the end, Ilia Topuria’s six-round finishing streak is both a testament to his brilliance and a looming question mark. On one hand, it showcases a fighter at the peak of his powers, dismantling elite opponents with terrifying ease. On the other hand, it leaves the combat world wondering how he’ll respond when someone finally survives his initial onslaught.

For now, fans should enjoy the ride. Topuria is delivering the kind of exhilarating performances that make combat sports special. Whether he continues to knock people out early or gets dragged into championship rounds, one thing is clear: the fight world is watching, and Ilia Topuria is far from done writing his story.