Aaron DonaldAaron RodgersAdrian PetersonAidan HutchinsonAlan PageAlvin KamaraAmon-Ra St. BrownAnthony MuñozAntonio BrownAntonio GatesArt MonkBarry SandersBecca LongoBen RoethlisbergerBijan RobinsonBo JacksonBrandon AiyukBreece HallBrett FavreBrock PurdyBruce MatthewsBruce SmithC.J. StroudCalvin JohnsonCalvin RidleyCameron JordanCeeDee LambChamp BaileyChris OlaveChristian McCaffrey
IT
MMA Biography

Ilia Topuria

“El Terror”

Georgian · Tbilisi, Georgia · Born 12 January 2001

Featherweight

Advertisement

Georgian-Spanish mixed martial artist who became UFC Featherweight Champion in 2024, known for his knockout power and undefeated professional record.

Ilia Topuria is a Georgian-Spanish featherweight who claimed the UFC Featherweight Championship with a stunning second-round knockout of Alexander Volkanovski in 2024. Undefeated in professional MMA, Topuria's combination of exceptional boxing, creative striking, and powerful hands make him one of the most exciting and complete fighters in the UFC. His multicultural background — Georgian heritage, Spanish upbringing — makes him a unique and compelling figure. Topuria vacated his featherweight belt and knocked out Charles Oliveira in the first round at UFC 317 in June 2025 to claim the vacant lightweight title, becoming the tenth multi-division champion in UFC history and the first to win belts in two divisions while undefeated. He began an indefinite hiatus from the sport in early 2026 while dealing with personal and legal matters, with an interim lightweight title contested in his absence.

Famous For

He knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to win the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 298 in February 2024.

Playing Style

How They Played

Topuria is known for his exceptional boxing skills and knockout power, combining technical precision with devastating finishing ability. He possesses excellent footwork and timing, allowing him to find openings for his powerful left hand. His well-rounded skill set includes solid grappling and submission defense to complement his elite striking.

Legacy

Lasting Impact

Topuria became the first fighter of Georgian descent to win a UFC championship, inspiring a new generation of fighters from the region.

Honours & Achievements

Career Honours

  • UFC Featherweight Championship
  • UFC Lightweight Champion (2025)
Career Journey

Timeline

2015 📌 Professional MMA debut
2021 🌍 UFC debut vs Damon Jackson
2022 🏆 Performance of the Night vs Jai Herbert
2023 🏆 UFC Featherweight Championship vs Alexander Volkanovski
2023 🏆 Won UFC Featherweight Championship vs Volkanovski
2024 ⚡ First Georgian UFC champion
2024 🏆 First title defense vs Max Holloway
2025 📌