Ilia Topuria punches a mascot

Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria come from different generations of MMA, but there is an obvious similarity in the way both fighters have carried themselves throughout their careers. The confidence, the willingness to back up their words and the belief that they belong at the very top have become defining parts of their identities. Both also built their reputations around high-level boxing, dangerous power and an ability to turn a fight into a major event simply by stepping into the spotlight. McGregor changed the UFC landscape during his rise through the featherweight and lightweight divisions, eventually becoming the promotion's first simultaneous two-division champion. His precision striking, timing, knockout power and ability to generate attention made him one of the most recognizable fighters in combat sports. Years later Topuria followed his own path to the top of the featherweight division, carrying a similarly fearless attitude while developing a reputation for precise boxing and finishing ability. The eras are different, the careers are different and their fighting styles are not identical - but the mentality creates an interesting comparison. Both fighters understand how to turn confidence into part of their identity, both have backed up their words with major performances, and both have shown an ability to command attention far beyond the Octagon. McGregor helped define one generation of UFC superstardom; Topuria has emerged as one of the names defining the next.