Ilia Topuria is a professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC, known for his well-rounded skill set and rapid rise through the featherweight division. He was born on January 21, 1997, in Germany to Georgian parents and moved to Georgia at a young age, where he began practicing Greco-Roman wrestling. Later, his family relocated to Spain, where Topuria transitioned to Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts.
Topuria began his professional MMA career in 2015, quickly earning a reputation as a dominant finisher. After maintaining an undefeated record on the European regional circuit, he made his UFC debut in 2020. He won his first fight on short notice and continued to build momentum with a series of decisive victories over ranked opponents.
Topuria’s performances have demonstrated both strong grappling fundamentals and powerful striking, making him one of the most dynamic fighters in his division. His technical growth and composure in high-level competition have positioned him as a leading contender in the UFC.
With a background that spans multiple countries and martial arts disciplines, Ilia Topuria represents a new generation of international athletes in the UFC. He continues to compete at the highest level with aspirations of capturing championship gold.