ROAD TO
THE TOP

For Ilia, humility goes hand in hand with confidence. That’s why he has always believed in himself. In his work. In his discipline. In the victories he has achieved so far. Every step taken over the years has brought him closer to the goal he set for himself: reaching the summit. Becoming number one in the UFC—the most important international MMA promotion in the world.

Far from holding him back, the ambitious nature of his goal has driven him to give everything in every training session. In every fight. In every moment of his life. Moving forward toward a destiny that has always been there, hidden in his last name: to be the TOP.

MY PATH

1997

Ilia Topuria was born in Halle, Germany, to Georgian parents. His first contact with combat sports came at school, where he started practicing Greco-Roman wrestling with his brother Alex.

2003

The Topuria family moved to Georgia, where Ilia and his brother continued training in Greco-Roman wrestling.

2012

Ilia moved to Alicante, Spain, and began practicing Mixed Martial Arts at the Climent Club Gym, where he grew both as an athlete and as a person.

2015

He debuted as an MMA fighter in local promotions. His perseverance and commitment started to become more and more evident.

2018

Ilia became the first Georgian to earn a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, alongside his brother Alex

2021

Ilia Topuria became the first Spaniard in history to break into the UFC Top 15 (Ultimate Fighting Championship). In the United States, he was recognized as one of the biggest MMA “prospects” (fighters with great potential).

2023

Ilia broke into the UFC featherweight Top 10 after his dominant performance against Bryce Mitchell. He continued working to become UFC champion and the undisputed reference point for MMA in Spain. Everything he had experienced reinforced his belief that faith creates reality. Something he is determined to prove in the coming years.

2024

After defeating Alexander Volkanovski, Ilia Topuria made history in Spanish sports by becoming the first Spaniard ever to win the UFC featherweight world championship, keeping his undefeated record at 15–0. He also entered the pound-for-pound rankings at number 5.

ROAD TO THE TOP