ROAD TO
THE TOP
For Ilia, humility is not incompatible 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. Each step taken over the years has brought him closer to the goal he has decided to set for himself: to reach the top. To be number one in the UFC: the most important international MMA promoter in the world.
Far from holding him back, the ambition of his goal has driven him to give his all in every training session. In every fight. In every moment of his life. Advancing towards a goal that has always been there, hidden in his last name: To be the TOP.
1997
Ilia Topuria was born in Halle, Germany, the son of Georgian parents. His first contact with combat sports is at school, where he starts practicing Greco-Roman wrestling with his brother Alex.
2003
The Topuria family moves to
Georgia, where Ilia and his brother continue to practice Greco-Roman wrestling.
2012
Ilia moves to Alicante (Spain), and starts practicing Mixed Martial Arts at the Climent Club Gym, where she grows as an athlete and a person.
2015
He debuts as a
MMA fighter in local promotions.
His perseverance and commitment
are becoming more and more evident.
2018
Ilia becomes the first Georgian black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu alongside his brother Alex.
2021
Ilia Topuria becomes the first Spaniard in history to enter the UFC Top 15. In the United States he is considered one of the top prospects in MMA.
2023
Ilia breaks into the UFC Featherweight top 10 after his exhibition against Bryce Mitchell. He keeps working to become UFC champion and the undisputed reference in MMA in Spain.
2024
Ilia Topuria, after defeating Alexander Volkanovski, makes history by becoming the first Spaniard to win the UFC Featherweight world title, maintaining his 15-0 undefeated record. In addition, he enters in the number 5 pound for pound position
2025
Ilia Topuria becomes a two-time Featherweight and Light Heavyweight World Champion after defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, becoming the first undefeated two-time champion in UFC history and the current number one pound-for-pound fighter.
LEARN MORE ABOUT
ILIA TOPURIA
Why do they call him "El Matador"?
The nickname “El Matador” was born in his old gym, where they started calling him that because of his style inside the octagon: precise, calculating and lethal. At first, Ilia didn’t quite identify with the name, but over time he eventually accepted it and made it his own. Today, “El Matador” also represents his Spanish roots and embodies a figure of elegance, courage and dominance in the face of danger.
What are Ilia's hobbies outside the octagon?
Outside of training, Ilia enjoys music, especially Georgian and Spanish artists that connect her to her roots. She likes to unwind by watching action or inspirational movies, reading self-improvement books and spending time with her family. She loves the beach and often escapes to quiet corners of the Mediterranean when she can.
What languages does Ilia speak?
Ilia is fluent in Georgian, Spanish and English. This combination allows
to connect with audiences around the world and strengthen its international profile.