Ilia Topuria: From Prospect to UFC Star

Background – A Bilingual Warrior

Ilia Topuria’s ascent in the UFC has been nothing short of meteoric. Born in 1997 to Georgian parents in Germany and raised in Spain, Topuria proudly represents both Georgia and Spain in the Octagon. Nicknamed “El Matador,” Topuria carries the flags of Georgia and Spain with him to the cage. From a young age Topuria trained in Greco-Roman wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, earning his black belt by his late teens. He compiled an undefeated record on the European regional scene, showcasing a finishing instinct that would soon grab the UFC’s attention.

Entering the UFC – Immediate Impact

Topuria made his UFC debut in October 2020 on short notice and immediately impressed, defeating Youssef Zalal by decision. He followed up with highlight-reel knockouts of Damon Jackson and Ryan Hall in 2020 and 2021, signaling that a new phenom had arrived in the featherweight division. Topuria’s fighting style – a blend of explosive boxing and elite grappling – quickly made him a fan favorite. By the end of 2021, he was 11-0 and one of the UFC’s top prospects. (He also had one bout in 2022 end in a No Contest due to a medical issue, which did not count against his record.) A brief health scare (a difficult weight cut in early 2022 forced a fight cancellation) led Topuria to test the waters at lightweight, where in March 2022 he delivered a brutal knockout over Jai Herbert in London. However, the 5’7” Topuria soon refocused on his natural home at 145 pounds, determined to conquer the featherweight ranks.

Rise Through the Featherweight Ranks

In December 2022, Topuria had a breakout performance by submitting the highly regarded Bryce Mitchell at UFC 282. Displaying his Brazilian jiu-jitsu prowess, he choked out Mitchell in the second round and remained undefeated. Just six months later, Topuria headlined his first UFC event in June 2023, facing veteran contender Josh Emmett. In that fight, Topuria put on a masterclass – dominating Emmett with superior striking and defense. He won a lopsided unanimous decision (including one astonishing 50–42 scorecard) and earned a Fight of the Night bonus for his efforts. By now, “Ilia Topuria” was on every fan’s radar. With a perfect 14-0 record and a reputation for finishing fights (at that point he had 7 wins by knockout and 7 by submission), Topuria had cleared out many rising contenders and was knocking on the door of a title shot.

Dethroning a Legend – Championship Glory

Topuria’s impact on the featherweight division reached its peak when he earned a shot at longtime champion Alexander Volkanovski in early 2024. Volkanovski, considered one of the greatest featherweights ever, had been dominant – but Topuria was undaunted. In their championship bout at UFC 298, Topuria shocked the MMA world by knocking out Volkanovski with a blistering right hand. With that victory, Topuria became the UFC Featherweight Champion, making history as the first Georgian-born and first Spanish fighter to win a UFC title. Topuria’s striking had evolved to an elite level – he had honed a boxing-heavy attack with tremendous power, as evidenced by his KO wins over Volkanovski and others. Just months after capturing the belt, Topuria solidified his reign by defending against former champion Max Holloway in late 2024, knocking out the Hall-of-Famer in the third round. In doing so, Topuria defeated two of the featherweight division’s all-time greats back-to-back, underlining that a changing of the guard had occurred at 145 lbs.

Continuing the Legacy – Moving Up

Rather than rest on his laurels, Topuria set his sights even higher – literally. Citing difficulties with the weight cut and a desire for new challenges, he decided to move up to the lightweight division in 2025 to pursue a second title. He voluntarily vacated his featherweight belt to chase this goal. Many fighters have attempted the two-division champ feat, but Topuria achieved it in stunning fashion. In June 2025, at UFC 317, he faced former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira for the vacant 155-pound title. Topuria needed less than one round to dispatch Oliveira via knockout, overpowering the submission ace with strikes. This triumph made Topuria one of the rare two-division champions in UFC history – and the first to do so while still undefeated. As of mid-2025, he held a perfect 17-0 professional record and had ascended to #1 in the UFC’s men’s pound-for-pound rankings.

Impact and Future

Ilia Topuria’s rapid rise from prospect to superstar has revitalized the featherweight division and captivated fans worldwide. By vanquishing household names like Volkanovski and Holloway, Topuria ushered in a new era at 145 lbs and proved that the next generation has arrived. He brought UFC gold to two countries – Georgia and Spain – inspiring a new wave of MMA enthusiasts in those regions. For context, 15 of his 17 career wins have come by stoppage (knockout or submission), a testament to his relentless finishing ability and aggressive style. In Spain and Georgia, Topuria’s championship triumphs were celebrated throughout both countries as major sporting achievements, firmly putting those nations on the UFC map. He now stands as the UFC’s newest pound-for-pound phenom, with seemingly limitless potential ahead. At only 28 years old, Topuria appears to be entering his prime. Topuria’s success even helped his older brother Aleksandre earn a UFC contract in early 2025.

Many are already comparing his potential dominance to that of Khabib Nurmagomedov – who even predicted Topuria would become champion. Having conquered the featherweight division and even claimed a lightweight title, the question is not if Ilia Topuria will leave a legacy in MMA – it’s how far into the record books he will ultimately go. His journey from prospect to UFC star is still being written, and now atop the pound-for-pound ranks, he has only begun to make his mark on the sport.

MMAailm.ee is a premier MMA blog committed to delivering comprehensive analysis, up-to-the-minute news, and exclusive insights into the global landscape of mixed martial arts. Catering to passionate MMA enthusiasts worldwide, MMAailm.ee covers everything from fight night breakdowns and athlete performances to technical evolutions and behind-the-scenes narratives. Our mission is to bridge the gap between fans and the ever-evolving world of MMA through timely information and engaging content.