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 and Spanish professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Featherweight division. He is the former UFC Featherweight Champion and the first Georgian to win a UFC championship. As of June 10, 2025, he holds rankings of #3 in the featherweight division and #4 in the pound-for-pound rankings.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Professional Debut

In 2015, Ilia Topuria made his debut as a professional mixed martial artist in local competitions.

2018: First International Fight and Black Belt in BJJ

In 2018, Ilia Topuria competed in his first international fight in Cage MMA Finland. In May 2018, he also became the first Georgian black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu alongside his brother Alex Topuria.

November 15, 2019: BRAVE Win Against Steven Goncalves

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 Against Youssef Zalal

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

December 5, 2020: UFC Win Against Damon Jackson

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

July 10, 2021: UFC Win Against Ryan Hall

On July 10, 2021, Ilia Topuria won against Ryan Hall via knockout in round one at UFC 264.

January 22, 2022: Bout Against Charles Jourdain Cancelled

On January 22, 2022, Ilia Topuria was scheduled to face Charles Jourdain at UFC 270, but the bout was cancelled due to a medical issue related to Topuria cutting weight.

March 19, 2022: UFC Win Against Jai Herbert 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 and receiving the Performance of the Night award.

October 29, 2022: Bout Against Edson Barboza Cancelled

On October 29, 2022, Ilia Topuria was scheduled to face Edson Barboza at UFC Fight Night 213, but the bout was cancelled due to a knee injury sustained by Barboza.

December 10, 2022: UFC Win Against Bryce Mitchell and Performance of the Night Award

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

June 17, 2023: Scheduled Bout Against Josh Emmett

Ilia Topuria was initially scheduled to face Josh Emmett on June 17, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 47. The fight was later moved to June 24, 2023 and became the headline event for UFC on ABC: Emmett vs. Topuria

June 24, 2023: UFC Win Against Josh Emmett and Fight of the Night Award

On June 24, 2023, Ilia Topuria won against Josh Emmett via unanimous decision at UFC on ABC: Emmett vs. Topuria, earning him the Fight of the Night award.

October 2023: Scheduled to face Alexander Volkanovski

In October 2023, Topuria was scheduled to face Alexander Volkanovski on January 20, 2024, for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 297. Later it was pushed back to headline UFC 298 on February 17, 2024.

October 21, 2023: Volkanovski Loses to Makhachev

On October 21, 2023, Alexander Volkanovski faced Islam Makhachev for the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 294 and was knocked out in the first round. As a result, Topuria vs. Volkanovski was pushed back one month to headline UFC 298 on February 17, 2024.

January 20, 2024: Scheduled Fight Against Volkanovski

Ilia Topuria was scheduled to face Alexander Volkanovski on January 20, 2024, for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 297. The fight was later moved to February 17, 2024 at UFC 298.

February 17, 2024: Wins UFC Featherweight Championship

On February 17, 2024, Ilia Topuria won the UFC Featherweight Championship via knockout in the second round against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.

October 26, 2024: Defends UFC Featherweight Championship Against Max 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.

2024: Knockout victories

Throughout 2024, Topuria's boxing skills, marked by precision and power, were displayed in knockout victories over Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. Topuria's execution of boxing is strategic, using his footwork and positioning to set up clean, fight-altering punches. He has cited the Mexican boxing style, particularly that of Canelo Álvarez, as a major inspiration for his striking, adapting its principles to mixed martial arts.

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, citing difficulties cutting weight and a desire to move up to Lightweight permanently.