Career Timeline of Ilia Topuria: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Ilia Topuria, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Ilia Topuria is a Georgian-Spanish professional mixed martial artist, notable for competing in the UFC Lightweight division. He made history as the first Georgian to become a UFC champion, claiming the Featherweight title. Topuria holds high rankings in the UFC, standing at #3 in the featherweight division and #3 in the men's pound-for-pound rankings as of March/April 2025.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Professional Debut

In 2015, Ilia Topuria made his professional debut in local competitions.

2018: First International Fight and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt

In 2018, Ilia Topuria competed in his first international fight in Cage MMA Finland. Also in 2018, he became the first Georgian black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu along with his brother Alex Topuria. Later that year, he failed to win the Cage Warriors Bantamweight Championship due to missing weight.

November 15, 2019: BRAVE Victory

On November 15, 2019, Ilia Topuria defeated Steven Goncalves by KO in the first round at BRAVE in Bahrain.

October 11, 2020: UFC Debut Win

On October 11, 2020, Ilia Topuria made his UFC debut against Youssef Zalal at UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen, winning by unanimous decision.

December 5, 2020: UFC Win Against Damon Jackson

On December 5, 2020, Ilia Topuria faced Damon Jackson at UFC on ESPN: Hermansson vs. Vettori and won the fight via knockout in round one.

July 10, 2021: UFC Win Against Ryan Hall

On July 10, 2021, Ilia Topuria faced Ryan Hall at UFC 264 and won the fight via knockout in round one.

March 19, 2022: UFC Fight Night 204 Win and Performance of the Night Award

On March 19, 2022, Ilia Topuria faced Jai Herbert at UFC Fight Night 204, recovering from a knockdown to win via knockout in round two. He also received the Performance of the Night award.

December 10, 2022: UFC 282 Win and Performance of the Night Award

On December 10, 2022, Ilia Topuria faced Bryce Mitchell at UFC 282 and won the fight via submission in round two, earning him the Performance of the Night award.

June 17, 2023: Scheduled Fight

On June 17, 2023, Ilia Topuria was initially scheduled to face Josh Emmett at UFC on ESPN 47.

June 24, 2023: UFC on ABC: Emmett vs. Topuria Win and Fight of the Night Award

On June 24, 2023, Ilia Topuria faced Josh Emmett at UFC on ABC: Emmett vs. Topuria, winning by unanimous decision and earning the Fight of the Night award.

October 2023: Volkanovski Fight Scheduled

In October 2023, Ilia Topuria was scheduled to face Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC Featherweight Championship.

October 21, 2023: Volkanovski Faces Makhachev

On October 21, 2023, Alexander Volkanovski faced Islam Makhachev for the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 294, as a replacement for Charles Oliveira. He was knocked out in the first round.

January 20, 2024: Original Date for Volkanovski Fight

On January 20, 2024, Ilia Topuria was originally scheduled to face Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 297.

February 17, 2024: UFC Featherweight Championship Win

On February 17, 2024, Ilia Topuria won the UFC featherweight championship via knockout in the second round against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, ending Volkanovski's four-year reign as champion. He earned the Performance of the Night award.

October 26, 2024: Title Defense Against Holloway

On October 26, 2024, Ilia Topuria defended his UFC Featherweight Championship against Max Holloway at UFC 308, winning by knockout in the third round and earning another Performance of the Night award. This marked Holloway's first knockout loss.

2024: Knockout Victories

In 2024, Ilia Topuria had knockout victories over Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, demonstrating his boxing-heavy approach and striking power.

February 2025: Aleksandre Topuria's UFC Debut

In February 2025, Ilia Topuria's older brother, Aleksandre, debuted with the UFC at UFC 312.

February 19, 2025: Announcement of Featherweight Championship Vacating

On February 19, 2025, it was announced that Ilia Topuria would vacate the Featherweight championship as soon as the featherweight championship main event at UFC 314 starts. Dana White cited difficulties cutting weight, a lack of interest in the division's competition, and a desire to move up to Lightweight permanently as reasons.