Ilia Topuria is a Georgian and Spanish professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Lightweight division of the UFC, where he is the former UFC Lightweight Champion and Featherweight Champion.
๐ฉ๐ช Early Life and Background
Topuria was born in Halle Westfalen, Germany, to Georgian parents who were refugees from Abkhazia. At age seven, he moved to Georgia and started practicing Greco-Roman wrestling.
After the Russo-Georgian War, at age 15, his family relocated to Alicante, Spain. He began training Brazilian jiu-jitsu at Climent gym at age 15 before switching to mixed martial arts.
๐ฅ Early Career and Regional Success
Topuria started his career with four straight submission wins on the Spanish regional scene and won a belt in Mix Fight Events promotion. In May 2018, he became the first Georgian black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu alongside his brother.
In 2019, he signed with Brave Combat Federation. He made his promotional debut in Bogotรก, Colombia, defeating Luis Gomez by submission, which earned him the award for best performance of the night.
๐บ๐ธ UFC Debut and Early Fights
Topuria took a bout on short notice against Youssef Zalal on October 11, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
He faced Damon Jackson on December 5, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Hermansson vs. Vettori, winning via knockout in round one. He faced Ryan Hall on July 10, 2021, at UFC 264, winning via knockout in round one.
โ๏ธ Rise to Title Contention
Topuria faced Jai Herbert on March 19, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 204, winning via knockout in round two. He faced Bryce Mitchell on December 10, 2022, at UFC 282, winning via submission in round two.
He faced Josh Emmett on June 24, 2023, at UFC on ABC: Emmett vs. Topuria, winning via unanimous decision. The bout earned him the Fight of the Night award.
๐ Featherweight Championship
Topuria challenged Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 for the UFC Featherweight Championship on February 17, 2024, winning via knockout in the second round. This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.
He defended his title against former champion Max Holloway on October 26, 2024, at UFC 308, winning by knockout in the third round. This was the first knockout loss of Holloway’s career.
๐ Lightweight Championship and Two-Division Status
On February 19, 2025, it was announced Topuria would vacate his featherweight title. He faced Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship on June 28, 2025, at UFC 317, defeating Oliveira by knockout at 2:27 of the first round.
He became the first UFC two-division champion while maintaining an undefeated record. Following the bout, Topuria was promoted to #1 in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings.
๐ฅ Fighting Style and Training
Topuria dedicated himself to enhancing his stand-up game, developing a boxing-heavy approach. His boxing style is marked by precise shot selection, fluid combinations, and remarkable power.
He has trained with fellow Georgian and former UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili. Dvalishvili praised Topuria’s grappling skills and striking power.
๐ Personal Life and Citizenship
Topuria is fluent in Georgian, English, Spanish, and also speaks a bit of Mingrelian. He has a son (born 2019) and daughter (born 2024) from his previous wife, Giorgina Uzcategui Badell.
On March 5, 2024, Topuria obtained Spanish citizenship. On March 21, 2024, he was awarded the Order of Honor by the President of Georgia, making him a dual citizen of Georgia and Spain.
๐ Career Statistics and Records
| Category | Detail | Date | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| UFC Featherweight Champion | Won via KO (Round 2) | February 17, 2024 | Alexander Volkanovski |
| First Title Defense | Won via KO (Round 3) | October 26, 2024 | Max Holloway |
| UFC Lightweight Champion | Won via KO (2:27, Round 1) | June 28, 2025 | Charles Oliveira |
| First Loss | Lost via TKO (corner stoppage) | June 14, 2026 | Justin Gaethje |