The UFC is home to arguably the most elite talent in the world, featuring athletes with an unmatched skill level in various striking and grappling disciplines. Recently, the popular MMA content page, Full Violence, published its list of the top seven active UFC fighters with best hands.
The list includes reigning champions Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira, as well as notable strikers like Sean O'Malley, Dustin Poirier, Petr Yan, Max Holloway, Jack Della Maddalena and featherweight legend Jose Aldo Jr.
Check out the post below:
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These seven fighters have a combined 91 knockout victories among them. However, Carlos Prates, a surging contender in the welterweight division, seemed to disagree with the list as he reacted in the comments section by posting several laughing emojis.
Check out Carlos Prates' comment below:
Prates has experienced a meteoric rise in the UFC in 2024. The 'Dana White's Contender Series' standout, made his UFC debut in February 2024 and achieved four consecutive victories, all by knockouts.
The hot streak propelled him to become a ranked contender within a year of making his promotional debut. Heoccupies the No.13 spot in the UFC welterweight rankings. While his grappling skills have yet to be tested against the highest caliber of fighters, Prates is regarded as one of the best strikers in the division.
Erick Nicksick and Merab Dvalishvili explain what makes Ilia Topuria dangerous inside the octagon
Ilia Topuria is the only undefeated fighter in Full Violence's list of UFC fighters with the best hands. His knockout victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway - two of the greatest featherweight fighters in history - have solidified his legacy in the sport.
On the Verse Us With Erick Nicksick podcast, Xtreme Couture head coach Erick Nicksick analyzed Topuria's fighting style. He explained how Topuria uses the architecture of the UFC octagon to finish opponents:
"When guys get knocked out by Ilia, look where they're at... Location, geography of the cage. They're always on that post, right? Ilia almost fights two different fights. One in the middle, and then when he moves you over to the barrier, that's when he starts unleashing on guys, when he gets you trapped. ... He's trying to take your head off."
In response, UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili shared his experience of training with Topuria and explained what makes him dangerous.
"I sparred with him. He always put me against the wall and it's coming, just coming. It doesn't make sense because you shoot, he does big sprawl. No way you can take him down. He has good wrestling also, and a good wrestling defense, and even good jiu-jitsu and then he just keeps coming and throwing big punches. It's crazy."
Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments below (58:15):