A former Ilia Topuria opponent was adamant that he gave the legend his toughest test.
On Saturday evening, ‘El Matador’ will attempt to become a two-weight champion when he faces Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Whether the Brazilian can find a way to solve the puzzle remains to be seen.
However, at a media day in 2024, one fighter claimed he’s the man who’s come the closest.
Sheesh: Ilia Topuria issues cold response to Charles Oliveira claiming he hits harder ahead of UFC 317
Youssef Zalal said he was Ilia Topuria’s toughest ever fight
While Chael Sonnen claimed Islam Makhachev avoided Ilia Topuria, Youssef Zalal gladly jumped inside the cage with the Spanish-Georgian.
The Moroccan went head-to-head with the power puncher on October 11, 2020, inside the du Forum on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
While Topuria controlled the action, Zalal produced a spirited effort, taking his opponent the distance.
At a press conference for UFC on ESPN 53 almost four years later, the MMA star claimed that he gave the gifted competitor his hardest challenge.
Zalal said: “Ilia Topuria’s hardest match-up was me. Josh Emmett was not a hard match-up, that was an easy match-up.”
Ilia Topuria told he needs to follow Islam Makhachev to welterweight by a UFC legend
At the weekend, Ilia Topuria will attempt to write the next chapter of his incredible story, and should he do so successfully, then he could well retrieve the key to another big fight.
Currently, a showdown against Islam Makhachev looks out of reach, with the Dagestani moving up a weight class.
However, the clash of legends may still be possible.
Now, a UFC icon says Topuria needs to chase Makhachev to welterweight.