WWE icon Rey Mysterio recently revealed his admiration for two elite UFC strikers, highlighting his preference for fighters known for their knockout power. In a conversation with MMA personality Helen Yee, Mysterio identified featherweight contender Diego Lopes and UFC’s two-division champion Ilia Topuria as his favorite UFC athletes.
The focus on these fighters reflects Mysterio’s interest in competitors who bring intensity and precision to their bouts, something the wrestling legend respects greatly.
Mysterio’s Thoughts on Ilia Topuria’s Fighting Style
Rey Mysterio described Topuria as a fierce competitor, emphasizing his anticipation for the star’s upcoming fights. Topuria has gained immense popularity through his string of devastating knockouts over prominent names, including Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira. This three-fight streak is widely regarded as one of the most impressive sequences in UFC history.
“Diego Lopes is one of those I keep my eye on… Yes, Topuria. I think he is savage. I can’t wait to see what fight he has up and coming.”
—Rey Mysterio, WWE Legend
Topuria’s recent callout of three-division boxing champion Terence Crawford following Crawford’s victory over Canelo Alvarez has further elevated his profile beyond MMA circles, showcasing his ambition to challenge other combat sports stars.
Diego Lopes’ Recent Performance and Rising Profile
Diego Lopes has also caught Mysterio’s attention after his recent win at Noche UFC. During the bout, Lopes overcame early challenges and secured a TKO late in the second round by landing a spinning back elbow followed by powerful punches. This victory over Jean Silva, noted for his own rising status, added to Lopes’ momentum as a dangerous featherweight contender.
Rey Mysterio Reflects on Conor McGregor’s Stunning UFC 194 Victory
Mysterio recalled his reaction to one of UFC’s most famous knockouts, Conor McGregor‘s swift 13-second finish of Jose Aldo at UFC 194. The Irish fighter’s sudden knockout stunned fans worldwide and propelled McGregor into superstardom. Mysterio admitted being surprised by how quickly the fight ended, despite expecting McGregor to win.
“I had McGregor winning it, but I was shocked by how fast he did. Aldo’s good, one of the best in the world, but how does somebody get knocked out [clicks fingers] like that? I don’t know if it was McGregor’s strategy, but he did say precision is better than speed. Like wow, he puts his money where his mouth is, and he made Jose Aldo look like a chump.”
—Rey Mysterio, WWE Legend
Mysterio’s Passion for MMA and Future Anticipation
A consistent MMA enthusiast, Rey Mysterio has been seen supporting the sport firsthand, including attending events like Noche UFC 306 where he presented Dana White with a custom Mexican-themed mask. His admiration of fighters such as Ilia Topuria and Diego Lopes demonstrates his deep appreciation for martial arts and the skill of dynamic strikers.
As Topuria and Lopes continue to impress in their respective divisions, Mysterio’s recognition highlights their rising status and foreshadows increased attention from fans looking for thrilling knockout performances in the UFC.
