Ilia Topuria

Topuria was born in Halle Westfalen, Germany.{{Cite web|date=2021-07-11|title=UFC 264 video: Ilia Topuria catches spinning back kick, KO's Ryan Hall|url=https://www.fightmag.com.au/2021/07/11/ufc-264-results-ilia-topuria-defeats-ryan-hall/|access-date=2022-01-17|website=FIGHTMAG|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-12-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202105222/https://www.fightmag.com.au/2021/07/11/ufc-264-results-ilia-topuria-defeats-ryan-hall/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2020-11-30|title=Ilia Topuria Wants The World To Know His Name {{!}} UFC|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ilia-topuria-world-know-his-name-vegas-16|access-date=2022-01-17|website=www.ufc.com|language=en|author=E. Spencer Kyte|archive-date=2022-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118182836/https://www.ufc.com/news/ilia-topuria-world-know-his-name-vegas-16|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2021-03-23|title=Report - Ryan Hall vs. Ilia Topuria slated for UFC 264 on July 10th. -|url=https://fightbananas.com/ryan-hall-vs-ilia-topuria-slated-for-ufc-264-on-july-10th-ufc-news-mma-news/|access-date=2022-01-17|website=FIGHT BANANAS|language=en-US|author=Ross Markey|archive-date=2022-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118182537/https://fightbananas.com/ryan-hall-vs-ilia-topuria-slated-for-ufc-264-on-july-10th-ufc-news-mma-news/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Ilia Topuriadef. Youssef Zalal :: UFC on ESPN+ 37 :: MMA Decisions|url=http://mmadecisions.com/decision/11420/Ilia-Topuria-vs-Youssef-Zalal|access-date=2022-01-17|website=mmadecisions.com|archive-date=2022-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118182650/http://www.mmadecisions.com/decision/11420/Ilia-Topuria-vs-Youssef-Zalal|url-status=live}} to Georgian parents who were refugees from Abkhazia.{{Cite web |title=UFC-ის ქართველი ჩემპიონი, Post Factum ილია თოფურიას ოჯახიდან. | website=YouTube | date=18 February 2024 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCPjntjqleY&t=190s}} At the age of seven, Topuria moved to Georgia with his family and started practicing Greco-Roman wrestling at a local school. After the Russo-Georgian War, at the age of 15, they once again relocated, this time to Alicante, Spain.{{Citation|title=MMA On The Road - Ilia Topuria|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mola-UuJQaM|language=en|access-date=2021-07-10|author=Gonzalo Campos MMA| date=4 June 2018 |archive-date=2021-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709200718/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mola-UuJQaM|url-status=live}} In 2015, he made his debut as a professional in local competitions.{{Cite web|title=Buscar En Mi Web|url=https://www.spaceboxing.com/search/ilia+topuria/|access-date=2021-07-10|language=es|archive-date=2019-11-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128203746/https://www.spaceboxing.com/search/ilia%2Btopuria/|url-status=live}} Topuria has an older brother, Aleksandre Topuria, who is also a professional mixed martial artist signed to the UFC.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1i83UMf0jo|title= Ilia Topuria discusses his confidence ahead of UFC 298 title fight vs. Alex Volkanovski {{pipe}} ESPN MMA|date=February 14, 2024|via=YouTube|author=ESPN}}

Initially coming into the UFC organization with a strong base in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Topuria dedicated himself to enhancing his stand-up game, developing a boxing-heavy approach under the guidance of experienced coaches. His boxing style is marked by precise shot selection, fluid combinations, and remarkable power, which was on full display during his knockout victories over Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski in 2024. Topuria's execution of boxing is strategic, using his footwork and positioning to set up clean, fight-altering punches.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/10/29/24282224/matt-brown-ilia-topuria-lock-fighter-of-the-year-over-alex-pereira-that-debates-pretty-well-settled|title= Matt Brown calls Ilia Topuria a ‘lock’ for Fighter of the Year over Alex Pereira: ‘That debate’s pretty well settled’|date= October 29, 2024|website= MMA Fighting|access-date= November 17, 2024}}{{Cite web|url=https://mmauk.net/2024/07/16/topuria-vs-holloway-a-detailed-fight-breakdown/|title= Topuria vs. Holloway: A Detailed Fight Breakdown|date= July 16, 2024|website= MMAUK|access-date= November 25, 2024}} He has cited the Mexican boxing style, particularly that of Canelo Álvarez, as a major inspiration for his striking, adapting its principles to mixed martial arts.{{Cite web|url=https://evolve-mma.com/blog/analyzing-ilia-topurias-style-of-fighting/|title= Analyzing Ilia Topuria’s Style Of Fighting|date= February 14, 2025|website= Evolve MMA|access-date= February 22, 2025}}

Topuria started his career with four straight submission wins on the Spanish regional scene and won a belt in Mix Fight Events promotion. In 2018, he competed in his first international fight in Cage MMA Finland.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmaviking.com/cage-43-live-results/|title=Live Results : Cage 43|date=April 28, 2018|website=mmaviking.com|author=Jyrki Nurminen|access-date=January 21, 2022|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121070333/https://www.mmaviking.com/cage-43-live-results/|url-status=live}} In the same year, in May, he became the first Georgian black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu alongside his brother Alex Topuria. Months later he received the opportunity to fight for the Cage Warriors Bantamweight Championship at the Lotto Arena in Antwerp, Belgium. Ilia failed to make the agreed weight so despite winning the fight quickly, he did not get the belt.{{cite web|last=Prates|first=Fernanda|title=Cage Warriors 94: Ilia Topuria makes quick work of Brian Bouland|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2018/06/cage-warriors-94-results-ilia-topuria-brian-bouland-non-title-fight-mma|date=June 16, 2018|access-date=22 February 2021|website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|archive-date=10 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410131608/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2018/06/cage-warriors-94-results-ilia-topuria-brian-bouland-non-title-fight-mma|url-status=live}}

In 2019, he signed with Brave Combat Federation. Ilia made his promotional debut in Bogotá, Colombia,{{Cite web|title=KienyKe {{!}} El placer de Saber, Ver y Oír Más|url=https://www.kienyke.com/|access-date=2021-07-10|website=KienyKe|language=es|archive-date=2021-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709141721/https://www.kienyke.com/|url-status=live}} defeating Luis Gomez in the first round by submission;{{cite web|title=Brave CF 26 {{!}} MMA Event|url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/62666-brave-cf-26|access-date=22 February 2021|website=Tapology|language=en|archive-date=11 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811210120/https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/62666-brave-cf-26|url-status=live}} which earned him the award for best performance of the night.{{Cite web|title=Login • Instagram|url=https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/|access-date=2021-07-10|website=www.instagram.com|archive-date=2020-11-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124032747/https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/|url-status=live}} On November 15, 2019, in Bahrain, he won his second fight in BRAVE by defeating Steven Goncalves by KO in the first round.{{Cite web|date=2019-11-16|title=Brave CF 29 results: Azamat Murzakanov runs through competition to win KHK open weight title|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/11/brave-cf-29-results-azamat-murzakanov-wins-open-weight-title|access-date=2021-02-22|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US|author=Farah Hannoun|archive-date=2021-04-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415060032/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/11/brave-cf-29-results-azamat-murzakanov-wins-open-weight-title|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2019-11-15|title=Oh Georgia! Ilia Topuria and Guram Kutateladze score big knockouts at Brave CF 29|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/11/oh-georgia-ilia-topuria-and-guram-kutateladze-score-big-knockouts-at-brave-cf-29|access-date=2021-07-10|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US|author=Farah Hannoun|archive-date=2021-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185834/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/11/oh-georgia-ilia-topuria-and-guram-kutateladze-score-big-knockouts-at-brave-cf-29|url-status=live}}

Topuria, as a replacement for Seung Woo Choi, took a bout on short notice against Youssef Zalal on October 11, 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen.{{Cite web|author=Marcel Dorff|date=2020-10-02|title=Toptalent Ilia Topuria tekent bij de UFC, treft Youssef Zalal op 10 oktober in Abu Dhabi|url=https://mmadna.nl/toptalent-ilia-topuria-tekent-bij-de-ufc-treft-youssef-zalal-op-10-oktober-in-abu-dhabi/|access-date=2022-01-21|website=MMA DNA|language=nl|archive-date=2022-07-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706011403/https://mmadna.nl/toptalent-ilia-topuria-tekent-bij-de-ufc-treft-youssef-zalal-op-10-oktober-in-abu-dhabi/|url-status=live}} Topuria won the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|last=Bitter|first=Shawn|date=2020-10-10|title=UFC Fight Island 5 Results: Ilia Topuria Stays Undefeated in Debut Win Over Youssef Zalal|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/10/10/ufc-fight-island-5-results-ilia-topuria/|access-date=2020-10-11|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-10-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016013057/https://cagesidepress.com/2020/10/10/ufc-fight-island-5-results-ilia-topuria/|url-status=live}}

Topuria faced Damon Jackson on December 5, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Hermansson vs. Vettori.{{Cite web|author=Jamal Boussenaf|date=2020-11-07|title=Ilia Topuria neemt het op 5 december op tegen Damon Jackson|url=https://mmadna.nl/ilia-topuria-neemt-het-op-5-december-op-tegen-damon-jackson/|access-date=2022-01-21|website=MMA DNA|language=nl|archive-date=2021-10-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008091207/https://mmadna.nl/ilia-topuria-neemt-het-op-5-december-op-tegen-damon-jackson/|url-status=live}} He won the fight via knockout in round one.{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2020-12-05|title=UFC Vegas 16 Results: Ilia Topuria Absolutely Floors Damon Jackson|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/12/05/ufc-vegas-16-results-ilia-topuria-vs-damon-jackson/|access-date=2020-12-06|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206022226/https://cagesidepress.com/2020/12/05/ufc-vegas-16-results-ilia-topuria-vs-damon-jackson/|url-status=live}}

Topuria faced Ryan Hall on July 10, 2021, at UFC 264.{{cite web|author=Farah Hannoun and Danny Segura|date=2021-03-24|title=Ryan Hall vs. Ilia Topuria added to UFC's July 10 event|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/03/ufc-news-ryan-hall-vs-ilia-topuria-booked-july-10|access-date=2021-03-24|website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|archive-date=2021-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423060505/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/03/ufc-news-ryan-hall-vs-ilia-topuria-booked-july-10|url-status=live}} He won the fight via knockout in round one.{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2021-07-10|title=UFC 264 Results: Ilia Topuria Overcomes Awkward Attacks, Finishes Ryan Hall Early|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/07/10/ufc-264-results-ryan-hall-vs-ilia-topuria/|access-date=2021-07-11|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-07-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711005703/https://cagesidepress.com/2021/07/10/ufc-264-results-ryan-hall-vs-ilia-topuria/|url-status=live}}

Topuria was scheduled to face Movsar Evloev on January 22, 2022, at UFC 270.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/10/25/22744776/movsar-evloev-vs-ilia-topuria-in-the-works-for-ufc-270|title=Movsar Evloev vs. Ilia Topuria in the works for UFC 270|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=2021-10-25|access-date=2021-10-25}} However, Evloev withdrew from the bout for undisclosed reasons and {{Cite web|last=Heck|first=Mike|date=2022-01-11|title=Movsar Evloev scratched from UFC 270, Ilia Topuria calls for Dan Ige to replace|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/1/11/22879322/movsar-evloev-scratched-from-ufc-270-ilia-topuria-calls-for-dan-ige-to-replace|access-date=2022-01-12|website=MMA Fighting|language=en|archive-date=2022-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112013650/https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/1/11/22879322/movsar-evloev-scratched-from-ufc-270-ilia-topuria-calls-for-dan-ige-to-replace|url-status=live}} was replaced by Charles Jourdain.{{Cite web|title=Charles Jourdain to Face Ilia Topuria on Short Notice at UFC 270|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Charles-Jourdain-to-Face-Ilia-Topuria-on-Short-Notice-at-UFC-270-184140|access-date=2022-01-14|website=Sherdog|language=en|author=Jay Pettry|archive-date=2022-01-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116004816/https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Charles-Jourdain-to-Face-Ilia-Topuria-on-Short-Notice-at-UFC-270-184140|url-status=live}} However, Topuria was pulled from the card due to a medical issue related to cutting weight and the bout was cancelled.{{Cite web|last=Law|first=Eddie|date=2022-01-21|title=Ilia Topuria Out Of Charles Jourdain Bout At UFC 270|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/01/21/ilia-topuria-out-of-ufc-270/|access-date=2022-01-22|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121170033/https://cagesidepress.com/2022/01/21/ilia-topuria-out-of-ufc-270/|url-status=live}}

Topuria faced Jai Herbert, replacing Mike Davis, on March 19, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 204.{{Cite web|date=2022-02-12|title=Mike Davis isn't facing Jai Herbert at UFC London because 'it just doesn't make sense to take the fight'|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/02/ufc-london-why-mike-davis-isnt-fighting-jai-herbert|access-date=2022-02-18|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-03-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310124224/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/02/ufc-london-why-mike-davis-isnt-fighting-jai-herbert|url-status=live}} Topuria suffered a knockdown from a head kick in round one, but recovered and won the fight via knockout in round two.{{Cite web |last=Behunin |first=Alex |date=2022-03-19 |title=UFC London: Ilia Topuria Flatlines Jai Herbert In The Second Round |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/03/19/ufc-london-ilia-topuria-flatlines-jai-herbert-second-round/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-03-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319212322/https://cagesidepress.com/2022/03/19/ufc-london-ilia-topuria-flatlines-jai-herbert-second-round/ |url-status=live }} With this win, he received the Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-19 |title=UFC Fight Night 204 bonuses: Nine fighters go home with $50,000 |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-fight-night-204-london-bonuses-nine-fighters-50000-knockouts-submissions-paddy-pimblett-molly-mccann |access-date=2022-03-20 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-11-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128005034/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-fight-night-204-london-bonuses-nine-fighters-50000-knockouts-submissions-paddy-pimblett-molly-mccann |url-status=live }}

Topuria was scheduled to face Edson Barboza on October 29, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 213.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-29 |title=UFC books Edson Barboza vs. Ilia Topuria for Oct. 29 event |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/07/edson-barboza-vs-ilia-topuria-ufc-fight-night-october-29-mma-matchup-booking-announcement |access-date=2022-07-30 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-07-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729143349/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/07/edson-barboza-vs-ilia-topuria-ufc-fight-night-october-29-mma-matchup-booking-announcement |url-status=live }} However, Barboza withdrew in late September due to a knee injury and the bout was cancelled.

Topuria faced Bryce Mitchell on December 10, 2022, at UFC 282.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-24 |title=Bryce Mitchell vs. Ilia Topuria being finalized for UFC 282 in Las Vegas |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/10/ufc-282-bryce-mitchell-vs-ilia-topuria-booked-las-vegas |access-date=2022-10-28 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-10-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024220657/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/10/ufc-282-bryce-mitchell-vs-ilia-topuria-booked-las-vegas |url-status=live }} He won the fight via submission in round two.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2022-12-10 |title=UFC 282: Ilia Topuria Stuns, Submits Bryce Mitchell in Dominant Showing |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/12/10/ufc-282-bryce-mitchell-vs-ilia-topuria/ |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-12-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211033833/https://cagesidepress.com/2022/12/10/ufc-282-bryce-mitchell-vs-ilia-topuria/ |url-status=live }} This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web |last=Hiergesell |first=Dan |date=2022-12-11 |title=Bonuses! All Fighters With Finishes Collect $50K |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2022/12/11/23503279/official-ufc-282-bonus-winners-results-ankalaev-blachowicz-paddy-pimblett-espn-ppv-results |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=MMAmania.com |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211070555/https://www.mmamania.com/2022/12/11/23503279/official-ufc-282-bonus-winners-results-ankalaev-blachowicz-paddy-pimblett-espn-ppv-results |url-status=live }}

Topuria was initially scheduled to face Josh Emmett on June 17, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 47.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc/josh-emmett-vs-ilia-topuria-set-to-headline-ufc-fight-night-card-in-june/|title=Josh Emmett vs. Ilia Topuria set to headline UFC Fight Night card in June|publisher=bjpenn.com|author=Cole Shelton|date=2023-03-29|access-date=2023-03-29|archive-date=2023-03-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329233928/https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc/josh-emmett-vs-ilia-topuria-set-to-headline-ufc-fight-night-card-in-june/|url-status=live}} However, the promotion later announced that the bout was shifted to headline UFC on ABC: Emmett vs. Topuria on June 24, 2023.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/04/ufc-on-abc-5-news-josh-emmett-vs-ilia-topuria-moved-to-june-24-headliner|title=Josh Emmett vs. Ilia Topuria gets new date, now headlines UFC on ABC 5 on June 24|date=April 20, 2023|work=MMAjunkie.com|author=Matthew Wells|access-date=April 22, 2023|archive-date=April 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422061433/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/04/ufc-on-abc-5-news-josh-emmett-vs-ilia-topuria-moved-to-june-24-headliner|url-status=live}} He won the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Alexander K. |date=2023-06-24 |title=UFC Jacksonville results: Ilia Topuria puts on complete performance to dominate gutsy Josh Emmett |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/6/24/23772718/ufc-jacksonville-results-ilia-topuria-puts-on-complete-performance-to-dominate-gutsy-josh-emmett |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} The bout earned him the Fight of the Night award.

In October 2023, Topuria was scheduled to face Alexander Volkanovski on January 20, 2024, for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 297.{{Cite news |title=Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria set for UFC 297 - MMAWeekly.com {{!}} UFC and MMA News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |language=en |work=MMAWeekly.com {{!}} UFC and MMA News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/news/alexander-volkanovski-vs-ilia-topuria-set-for-ufc-297 |access-date=2023-10-10}} However, on ten days notice replacing an injured Charles Oliveira, Volkanovski faced Islam Makhachev for the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 294 on October 21, 2023, and was knocked out in the first round.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/10/10/23912292/charles-oliveira-out-alexander-volkanovski-now-faces-islam-makhachev-in-ufc-294-main-event|title=Charles Oliveira out; Alexander Volkanovski now faces Islam Makhachev in UFC 294 main event|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2023-10-10|access-date=2023-11-06}} As a result, Topuria vs. Volkanovski was pushed back one month to headline UFC 298 on February 17, 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmanews.com/.amp/news/alexander-volkanovski-ilia-topuria-title-headlines-ufc-298|title=Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria Featherweight Title Bout Headlines UFC 298|publisher=mmanews.com|author=Colby Faria|date=2023-11-06|access-date=2023-11-06}} Topuria won the featherweight championship via knockout in the second round, ending Volkanovski's four-year reign as champion.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2024-02-18 |title=UFC 298: Ilia Topuria Wins Featherweight Gold with Thunderous KO of Alexander Volkanovski |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/02/18/ufc-298-ilia-topuria-wins-featherweight-gold-with-thunderous-ko-of-alexander-volkanovski/ |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}} This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2024/2/18/24075896/official-bonus-winners-results-ufc-298-ppv-espn-volkanovski-topuria|title=Bonuses! Ilia Topuria cleans up, banks $50K for title fight KO - UFC 298|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Dan Hiergesell|date=2024-02-18|access-date=2024-02-18}}

Topuria defended his UFC Featherweight Championship against former champion Max Holloway on October 26, 2024, at UFC 308.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/max-holloway/report-ilia-topuria-vs-max-holloway-added-to-ufc-308-in-abu-dhabi-following-islam-makhachev-injury/|title=REPORT - Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway added to UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi following Islam Makhachev injury|publisher=bjpenn.com|author=Josh Evanoff|date=2024-07-30|access-date=2024-07-30}} He won the fight by knockout in the third round, leading to the first knockout loss of Holloway's career.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/10/26/ufc-308-ilia-topuria-stops-max-holloway-retains-title-in-explosive-fashion/|title=UFC 308: Ilia Topuria Stops Max Holloway, Retains Title in Explosive Fashion|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Jay Anderson|date=2024-10-26|access-date=2024-10-26}} This fight earned him another Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc-308/ufc-308-bonus-report-ilia-topuria-one-of-five-fighters-to-take-home-an-extra-50k/|title=UFC 308 Bonus Report: Ilia Topuria one of five fighters to take home an extra $50k|publisher=bjpenn.com|author=Chris Taylor|date=2024-10-26|access-date=2024-10-26}}

Despite rumors of a rematch between Topuria and Volkanovski,{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/10/ufc-news-ilia-topuria-vs-alexander-volkanovski-rematch-dana-white|title=Dana White indicates Ilia Topuria vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 likely next UFC featherweight title fight|publisher=mmajunkie.com|last1=Bohn|last2=King|first1=Mike|first2=Nolan|date=2024-10-26|access-date=2025-02-20}}{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/alexander-volkanovski-vs-ilia-topuria-102006397.html|title=Alexander Volkanovski vs Ilia Topuria rematch set for UFC 314, claims Bo Nickal|publisher=yahoosports.com|author=Alex Pattle|date=2025-01-28|access-date=2025-02-20}} on February 19, 2025, it was announced that Topuria will vacate the Featherweight championship as soon as the featherweight championship main event at UFC 314 starts.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/43929464/volkanovski-fight-lopes-ufc-title-vacated-topuria|title=Volkanovski to fight Lopes for UFC title vacated by Topuria|publisher=espn.com|author=Andreas Hale|date=2025-02-19|access-date=2025-02-19}} UFC president Dana White explained Topuria's unexpected move, citing difficulties cutting weight, a lack of interest in the division's competition, and a desire to move up to Lightweight permanently.{{Cite web|url=https://www.the-independent.com/sport/ufc/ufc-ilia-topuria-dana-white-islam-makhachev-b2701408.html|title=Dana White reveals reason behind Ilia Topuria’s shock move to vacate UFC title and what comes next|last1=Pattle|last2=Rathborn|first1=Alex|first2=Jack|date=2025-02-20|access-date=2025-02-20}}

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• UFC Featherweight Championship (One time, former)
• One successful title defense
• First Georgian champion in UFC history
• Performance of the Night (Four times) {{small|vs. Jai Herbert, Bryce Mitchell, Alexander Volkanovski, and Max Holloway}}
• Fight of the Night (One Time) {{small| vs. Josh Emmett}}{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-abc-5-jacksonvillle-bonuses-ilia-topuria-maycee-barber-josh-emmett-david-onama-submission-knockout-50000|title=UFC on ABC 5 bonuses: Ilia Topuria's 50-42 scorecard helps net extra $50,000

|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Matt Erickson|date=2023-06-24|access-date=2023-06-24}}

• UFC Honors Awards
• 2024: President's Choice Performance of the Year Nominee {{small|vs. Alexander Volkanovski}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.homeoffight.com/news/ufc/ufc-honors-2024-event-recap|title=UFC Honors 2024 Event Recap|publisher=homeoffight.com|author=Mike Jones|date=2025-01-13|access-date=2025-01-15}} & President's Choice Performance of the Year Nominee {{small|vs. Max Holloway}}
• UFC.com Awards
• 2020: Ranked #8 Newcomer of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-newcomers-2020-chimaev-buckley-royval-read|title=The 10 Best Newcomers of 2020|date=December 22, 2020|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2022: Ranked #7 Knockout of the Year {{small|vs. Jai Herbert}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/knockouts-2022-ufc-awards-edwards-chandler-zhang-pereira|title=The Knockouts - 2022 UFC.com Awards|date=22 December 2022|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}} & Ranked #9 Submission of the Year {{small|vs. Bryce Mitchell}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/submissions-2022-ufc-com-awards|title=The Submissions {{pipe}} 2022 UFC.com Awards|date=December 21, 2022|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship|author=Thomas Gerbasi|author2=E. Spencer Kyte}}
• 2024: Fighter of the Year {{small|(Tied with Alex Pereira)}},{{Cite web |date=2024-12-20 |title=The Fighters {{!}} 2024 UFC.com Awards {{!}} UFC |url=https://www.ufc.com/news/the-fighters-2024-ufccom-awards |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=www.ufc.com |language=en}} Ranked #2 Knockout of the Year {{small| vs. Max Holloway}} & Ranked #6 Knockout of the Year {{small| vs. Alexander Volkanovski}}{{Cite web |date=2024-12-18 |title=The Knockouts {{!}} 2024 UFC.com Awards {{!}} UFC |url=https://www.ufc.com/news/knockouts-2024-ufccom-awards |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=www.ufc.com |language=en}}

• Mix Fight Events
• MFE Featherweight Championship (One time)
• MMAjunkie.com
• 2022 December Submission of the Month {{small|vs. Bryce Mitchell}}{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/submission-of-the-month-december-2022-ilia-topuria-bryce-mitchell-ufc-282|title=MMA Junkie's Submission of the Month for December 2022: Ilia Topuria ends Bryce Mitchell's run|date=January 2, 2023|work=MMAjunkie.com|author=Mike Bohn|access-date=January 30, 2023|archive-date=January 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130185343/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/submission-of-the-month-december-2022-ilia-topuria-bryce-mitchell-ufc-282|url-status=live}}

File:Ilia Topuria at the Orbeliani Palace.jpg]]

Topuria speaks fluent Georgian and also speaks a bit of Mingrelian.[https://mcm.ge/219979/ “ქართული კი არა, ცოტა მეგრულიც ვიცი...“], MCM: 19 February 2024[https://www.palitravideo.ge/video/164051-kartuli-rom-ar-vicode-mosaklavi-viknebodi-kartvelma-kacma-kartuli-unda-icodes-cota-megrulic-vici-ra-upasuxa-ilia-topuriam-kartveli-gulshematkivris-shekitxvas/ "ქართული რომ არ ვიცოდე მოსაკლავი ვიქნებოდი, ქართველმა კაცმა, ქართული უნდა იცოდეს, ცოტა მეგრულიც ვიცი" - რა უპასუხა ილია თოფურიამ ქართველი გულშემატკივრის შეკითხვას?][https://www.imedi.ge/ge/video/150706/ilia-topuria-noestan Ilia Topuria #WithNoe], Imedi Media Holding, Feb 25, 2024 Topuria and his partner have a son (born 2019) and daughter (born 2024).{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ilia-topuria-world-know-his-name-vegas-16|title=Ilia Topuria Wants The World To Know His Name|author=E. Spencer Kyte|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship|date=December 1, 2020}}{{Cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Josh |date=2024-10-26 |title=Ilia Topuria wife Giorgina Uzcategui Badell stuns in all-black dress victory fit |url=https://www.si.com/onsi/athlete-lifestyle/fashion/ilia-topuria-wife-giorgina-uzcategui-badell-stunning-in-cage-victory-fit |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=The Athlete Lifestyle On SI |language=en-US}}

Topuria is a Christian.{{cite video | people=Full Send Podcast | date=2025-02-13 | title=Ilia Topuria | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVofnqNUeyA&t=364s | format=YouTube video | publisher=Full Send Podcast | access-date=2025-02-16 | time=6:04 }}{{Cite web |date=2024-10-25 |title=Ilia Topuria Believes He Is 'The One' {{!}} UFC |url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ilia-topuria-believes-he-is-the-one-ufc-308 |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=www.ufc.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-04-15 |title=Bible Verses and Title Fights: Max Holloway Set to Challenge Ilia Topuria |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/max-holloway-ilia-topuria |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=Wrestling On Fannation |language=en-US}}

Topuria's older brother Aleksandre, also a mixed martial artist, debuted with the UFC in February 2025 at UFC 312.{{Cite web|title=Aleksandre Topuria ya tiene fecha y rival para su debut en la UFC|url=https://www.abc.es/deportes/mma/aleksandre-topuria-fecha-rival-debut-ufc-20241220214707-nt.html|date=2024-12-20|access-date=2024-12-21|publisher=abc.es|author=Álvaro Colmenero|language=es}}

On March 5, 2024, Topuria obtained Spanish citizenship after it was announced at the Council of Ministers press conference.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-05 |title=El Gobierno concede la nacionalidad española a Ilia Topuria |url=https://www.elespanol.com/deportes/otros-deportes/20240305/gobierno-concede-nacionalidad-espanola-ilia-topuria/837666430_0.html |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=El Español |language=es}}{{Cite web |date=2024-03-05 |title=Ilia Topuria ya es español: el Gobierno le concede la nacionalidad al campeón de la UFC |url=https://www.abc.es/deportes/gobierno-concede-nacionalidad-espanola-ilia-topuria-20240305130039-nt.html |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=Diario ABC |language=es}}

On March 21, 2024, Topuria was awarded the Order of Honor by the President of Georgia in Orbeliani Palace, Tbilisi, Georgia.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-21 |title=პრეზიდენტმა ილია თოფურია ღირსების ორდენით დააჯილდოვა |url=https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/32871850.html |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=რადიო თავისუფლება |language=ka}} That day, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the government will ensure Ilia retains his Georgian citizenship, making him a dual citizen of Georgia and Spain.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-19 |title=კობახიძის თქმით, მნიშვნელოვანია, ილია თოფურიას საქართველოს მოქალაქეობა შეუნარჩუნდეს |url=https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/32868155.html |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=radiotavisupleba |language=ge}}

{{MMArecordbox

| draws=

| nc=

| ko-wins= 6

| sub-wins= 8

| dec-wins= 2

| ko-losses=

| sub-losses=

| dec-losses=

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|16–0

|Max Holloway

|KO (punches)

|UFC 308

|{{dts|2024|October|26}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|1:34

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|{{small|Defended the UFC Featherweight Championship. Performance of the Night. Topuria vacated the title on April 12, 2025.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|15–0

|Alexander Volkanovski

|KO (punch)

|UFC 298

|{{dts|2024|February|17}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|3:32

|Anaheim, California, United States

|{{small|Won the UFC Featherweight Championship. Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|14–0

|Josh Emmett

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC on ABC: Emmett vs. Topuria

|{{dts|2023|June|24}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Jacksonville, Florida, United States

|{{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|13–0

|Bryce Mitchell

|Submission (arm-triangle choke)

|UFC 282

|{{dts|2022|December|10}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|3:10

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Return to Featherweight. Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|12–0

|Jai Herbert

|KO (punches)

|UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Aspinall

|{{dts|2022|March|19}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|1:07

|London, England

|{{small|Lightweight debut. Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|11–0

|Ryan Hall

|KO (punches)

|UFC 264

|{{dts|2021|July|10}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:47

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|10–0

|Damon Jackson

|KO (punch)

|UFC on ESPN: Hermansson vs. Vettori

|{{dts|2020|December|05}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:38

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|9–0

|Youssef Zalal

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen

|{{dts|2020|October|11}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 8–0

|Stephen Goncalves

|KO (punches)

|Brave CF 29

|{{dts|2019.11.15}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 3:42

|Isa Town, Bahrain

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|7–0

|Luis Gomez

|Submission (triangle straight armbar)

|Brave CF 26

|{{dts|2019.09.07}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:15

|Bogotá, Colombia

|{{small|Return to Featherweight.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|6–0

|Brian Bouland

|Technical Submission (anaconda choke)

|Cage Warriors 94

|{{dts|2018.06.16}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:39

|Antwerp, Belgium

|{{small|For the vacant Cage Warriors Bantamweight Championship; Topuria missed weight (139.4 lb) and was ineligible to win the title.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|5–0

|Mika Hämäläinen

|Submission (guillotine choke)

|CAGE 43

|{{dts|2018.04.28}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:35

|Helsinki, Finland

|{{small|Bantamweight debut.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 4–0

|Jhon Guarin

|Submission (guillotine choke)

|Mix Fight Events 28

|{{dts|2016.11.05}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|2:50

|Valencia, Spain

|{{small|Won the vacant MFE Featherweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|3–0

|Daniel Vasquez

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|Mix Fight Events 26

|{{dts|2016.05.07}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:50

|Alicante, Spain

|{{small|Catchweight (141 lb) bout.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|2–0

|Kalil Martin El Chalibi

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|Climent Show MMA 4

|{{dts|2015.05.09}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:03

|Alicante, Spain

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|1–0

|Francisco Javier Asprilla

|Submission (triangle choke)

|Mix Fight Events 17

|{{dts|2015.04.04}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:30

|Valencia, Spain

|{{small|Featherweight debut.}}

{{end}}{{cite web|title=Ilia Topuria|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Ilia-Topuria-202445|website=Sherdog|access-date=18 February 2024}}

• List of current UFC fighters
• List of male mixed martial artists
• List of undefeated mixed martial artists

{{reflist}}

{{commons category|Ilia Topuria}}

• {{Sherdog|202445}}
• {{UFC|ilia-topuria}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-ach}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Alexander Volkanovski}}

{{s-ttl | title=6th UFC Featherweight Champion |years=February 17, 2024 – April 12, 2025
Vacated}}

{{s-vac|next=Alexander Volkanovski}}

{{end}}

{{UFC Featherweight Championship}}

{{UFC Men's pound-for-pound Rankings}}

{{UFC Featherweight Rankings}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Topuria, Ilia}}

Category:1997 births

Category:Living people

Category:Male mixed martial artists from Georgia (country)

Category:Spanish male mixed martial artists

Category:Featherweight mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Greco-Roman wrestling

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Emigrants from Georgia (country) to Spain

Category:Mingrelians

Category:Sportspeople of Georgian descent

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters

Category:Spanish practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners from Georgia (country)

Category:People awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:People from Halle (Westfalen)

Category:Recipients of the Order of Honor (Georgia)

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship champions

Category:21st-century Spanish sportsmen