Ilia Topuria: The new king of the UFC featherweight division

Ilia Topuria (27) has taken the MMA world by storm. In February 2024, he knocked out former champion Alexander Volkanovski in the second round to claim the UFC featherweight title. Since then, his life has changed dramatically – gaining over a million new Instagram followers and becoming a global superstar. In an exclusive interview, Topuria opens up about his journey, his dreams, and his deep connection to Germany, where he was born.

From Halle to the Octagon

Topuria was born in Halle, Westphalia, Germany, to Georgian parents. He lived there for seven years before moving to Georgia and later to Spain. His first language was German, but after moving, he lost practice. Nevertheless, he still feels a strong bond: 'Germany will always remain in my heart because I was born there. You always have a special love for the country where you were born.' He recalls fond memories of his early childhood and hopes to fight in Germany one day – especially in Halle.

The title win that changed everything

Topuria’s victory over Volkanovski at UFC 298 was emphatic. He finished the fight in the second round with a devastating knockout. 'I have watched the fight so many times. It looks like a miracle every time – seeing your dreams come true,' he says. The win catapulted him to stardom, but internal confidence was always there: 'I always felt I was the best in the world.'

Dreaming of the Bernabéu

One of Topuria’s biggest ambitions is to fight at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid – the home of Real Madrid, his beloved club. He recently visited the stadium during a match and presented his championship belt to the fans. 'The energy you feel in the middle of the stadium is indescribable,' he says. UFC president Dana White has historically been hesitant about stadium shows, but Topuria believes the Bernabéu’s retractable roof and removable pitch make it ideal. He wants to headline an event there in the first quarter of 2025, potentially against Max Holloway.

The next opponent: Holloway or Volkanovski?

Topuria is eager to return to the octagon. He plans to fight in September 2024, after the birth of his daughter. The venue could be the Sphere in Las Vegas. Regarding his next opponent, he is clear: 'I want to fight Max Holloway if he puts the BMF belt on the line. I want to be the first to hold both belts at the same time.' If not, he would give Volkanovski a rematch or face Brian Ortega. Holloway recently won the BMF title at UFC 300 with a spectacular last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje. Topuria was unimpressed: 'Aside from the last ten seconds, I saw nothing special. Try that with me – things will go differently.'

Life after the title

Since becoming champion, Topuria has met many of his heroes, including football legend Lionel Messi. He also hopes to meet basketball icon Michael Jordan. His schedule remains busy: meetings with Dana White, public appearances, and training. He remains grounded, however: 'Inside, I feel the same as always.' The UFC is planning a major event in Spain, and Topuria is determined to deliver a show. 'I have always believed that faith becomes reality. First, becoming champion – done. Second, fighting in Spain – specifically at the Bernabéu.'

Topuria’s fighting style is a blend of powerful striking and relentless pressure. He has finished all but one of his UFC fights. His rise has been meteoric since joining the promotion in 2020. He holds notable wins over Bryce Mitchell, Josh Emmett, and now Volkanovski. Analysts praise his incredible power for the division and his ever-improving wrestling. Born in Germany, raised in Georgia, and now representing Spain, Topuria is a true global fighter. His story resonates with fans worldwide because of his humble beginnings and unshakeable self-belief.

On his German roots, Topuria speaks with warmth: 'My first language was German. My whole family speaks fluent German – my parents, my sisters. I have many good memories of Germany. I took my first steps there.' Despite living in Spain for over a decade, he maintains a special connection to his birthplace. 'I would love to fight in Germany, especially in Halle. That would be emotional for me.'

Topuria’s next steps are carefully planned. He will become a father for the first time in July or August, then return to training. He expects to fight in September, possibly at the Sphere in Las Vegas, which would be a historic venue for the UFC. 'The Sphere is a unique place. They want me to fight there. I will finish my opponent in the first two rounds, without any doubt.'

The Spanish-Mexican connection

Topuria’s popularity in Spain is massive. He has become a national sports icon, appearing at Real Madrid games and meeting players like Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior. He respects all of them because he knows what it takes to perform at that level. He also enjoys connecting with fans on social media, where his follower count continues to soar. His victory parade in Spain drew thousands. The proposed event at the Bernabéu could be the biggest UFC show ever in Europe, surpassing the previous record in London.

Looking ahead, Topuria remains focused on legacy. He wants to unify the featherweight title and eventually move up in weight. But for now, the immediate goal is clear: 'I want to be the best to ever do it. That means cleaning out the division. Whoever they put in front of me, I will knock them out.'

For fans in Germany, the dream of seeing him fight on home soil is alive. 'Deutschland wird immer in meinem Herzen sein,' he says in German. 'Es wäre ein Traum, vor dem deutschen Publikum zu kämpfen.' (Translation: 'Germany will always be in my heart. It would be a dream to fight in front of the German crowd.')

Ilia Topuria is not just a champion; he is a phenomenon. His blend of charisma, power, and a compelling backstory makes him one of the UFC’s brightest stars. With each fight, he proves that his confidence is not just talk – it is backed by devastating performances. The MMA world waits to see who will step up next, but one thing is certain: Topuria is here to stay, and he will not rest until he achieves every goal he has set.

Source: bild.de News