Why Ilia Topuria is the Fighter of the Year Over Alex Pereira

When it comes to determining the Fighter of the Year, the debate often boils down to accomplishments, dominance, and, most importantly, the quality of the opposition faced. Both Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira had remarkable years, each etching their names deeper into UFC history. However, when you examine their resumes side by side, Ilia Topuria’s achievements in 2024 stand out as the clear reason why he deserves the Fighter of the Year title over Pereira.

Topuria’s Unmatched Year: Beating the Best of the Best

Ilia Topuria’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. In 2024, he became the featherweight champion and defended his belt against two of the most accomplished and dangerous fighters in UFC history: Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.

1. UFC 298: Topuria Dethrones Volkanovski
   Alexander Volkanovski had long been regarded as one of the pound-for-pound greatest fighters in the world, reigning supreme over the featherweight division. Volkanovski’s skill set, resilience, and championship pedigree made him nearly invincible at 145 pounds. For Ilia Topuria to defeat him and claim the featherweight title is nothing short of monumental. Volkanovski wasn’t just any champion; he was a dominant, historically great champion who defended his belt five times against world-class opposition. Despite Volkanovski coming odd a quick turnaround after losing to Islam Makhachev for the lightweight crown, I still believe that Topuria would’ve knocked Volkanovski out anyway. Topuria’s performance was not a fluke—it was a statement.
2. UFC 308: Topuria Defends Against Holloway
   If dethroning Volkanovski wasn’t enough, Topuria solidified his Fighter of the Year case by defending his belt against Max Holloway. Holloway, another all-time great featherweight and former champion, is widely known for his toughness, elite boxing, and legendary cardio. Topuria defeating two generational fighters in the same year by knockout elevates his accomplishments to rarefied air. Holloway’s dominant win over Justin Gaethje earlier in the year at UFC 300 reminded fans just how dangerous he remains, making Topuria’s defence even more impressive.

Pereira’s Impressive Year: Dominant but Less Challenging Opposition

On the other hand, Alex Pereira had an incredibly active and dominant year in 2024, successfully defending his light heavyweight title against formidable opponents. Pereira’s run saw him defeat Jamahal Hill at UFC 300, Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303, and Khalil Rountree at UFC 307. While these wins are impressive, there’s a notable gap when you compare the overall quality of opposition Pereira faced to Topuria’s.

1. Jamahal Hill
   Jamahal Hill is a skilled fighter but entered the bout against Pereira after a lengthy layoff due to injury. While Hill had previously won the light heavyweight title, his resume does not hold the same weight as someone like Volkanovski or Holloway. Hill’s lack of activity leading up to the fight put him at a significant disadvantage, and he simply isn’t as skilled as Volkanovski and Holloway. Hill’s resume doesn’t hold a candle to the likes of Volkanovski and Holloway.
2. Jiri Prochazka
   A former champion, Jiri Prochazka is an exciting and unpredictable fighter. Still, his technical flaws and defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed by the likes of Pereira’s mentor and friend, Glover Texeira and Pereira himself in their first fight at UFC 295. Pereira capitalised on those weaknesses that Prochazka had clearly not worked on, which you can’t fault him for. Still, this win does not carry the same magnitude as defeating Volkanovski or Holloway.
3. Khalil Rountree
   Khalil Rountree was on a solid win streak but has never competed at the championship level until UFC 307. There was a clear title-worthy opponent in Magomed Ankalaev, and the UFC refused to give him the title shot because he was not the most entertaining fight. In the long term, that doesn’t affect his legacy, but until they fight, it will. While Pereira’s victory was ultimately dominant, it lacks the prestige of beating top-tier legends or pound-for-pound greats.

Strength of Schedule: Topuria vs. Pereira

The most significant factor in the Fighter of the Year debate comes down to the level of competition. While Pereira remained active and dominant, Topuria faced far more formidable challenges. Volkanovski and Holloway are both top 3/4 all-time fighters in the featherweight division, with both having valid arguments to be the greatest featherweight of all time; their accomplishments speak for themselves. Beating two generational talents in back-to-back fights is a feat rarely seen in any era of the sport. Pereira’s wins, though impressive, came against fighters who do not share the same elite status as Topuria’s opponents.

Legacy and Context Matter

Winning a belt is one thing, but defending it against elite competition separates the greats from the legends. Ilia Topuria’s ability to dethrone a dominant champion like Volkanovski and defend against Max Holloway shows a level of skill, composure, and confidence that defines a Fighter of the Year.

Alex Pereira’s year cannot be ignored. He is one of the UFC’s most dangerous and exciting fighters, and his accomplishments are worth celebrating. However, when you put their resumes side by side, Topuria’s wins carry more weight, both historically and competitively.

Conclusion: Ilia Topuria is the Fighter of the Year

In a sport as competitive and unforgiving as mixed martial arts, the quality of your wins matters just as much as the quantity. Ilia Topuria’s victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway—two of the greatest featherweights of all time—cement his place as the 2024 Fighter of the Year.

Pereira’s year was undoubtedly special, but Topuria’s achievements against elite opposition place him a step above. Topuria didn’t just win; he conquered giants, and that’s what makes him the Fighter of the Year.