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 Lightweight division, where he currently holds the title of UFC Lightweight Champion. Prior to that, he was the UFC Featherweight Champion, making him the first Georgian and Spanish fighter to achieve this feat. He has been a professional fighter since 2015 and as of November 18, 2025, he is ranked #2 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 21, 2023: Volkanovski lost the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 294

On October 21, 2023, Alexander Volkanovski, initially scheduled to face Ilia Topuria in January 2024, faced Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 for the UFC Lightweight Championship. Volkanovski was knocked out in the first round, impacting the scheduling of the Topuria fight.

January 20, 2024: Scheduled to face Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 297

In October 2023, Ilia Topuria was initially scheduled to face Alexander Volkanovski on January 20, 2024, at UFC 297 for the UFC Featherweight Championship.

February 17, 2024: Won the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 298

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

October 26, 2024: Defended UFC Featherweight Championship against Max Holloway at UFC 308

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

February 2025: Aleksandre Topuria's UFC Debut

In February 2025, Ilia Topuria's older brother, Aleksandre Topuria, who is also a mixed martial artist, debuted with the UFC at UFC 312.

February 19, 2025: Announced he would vacate his title

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

June 28, 2025: Won the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 317

On June 28, 2025, Ilia Topuria faced Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 317 and defeated Oliveira by knockout in the first round, becoming the tenth multi-division champion in UFC history. He earned another Performance of the Night award.

November 19, 2025: Lost #1 ranking in UFC pound for pound rankings

After defeating Charles Oliveira for the UFC Lightweight Championship on June 28, 2025, Ilia Topuria was promoted to #1 in the UFC pound for pound rankings. However, the #1 ranking was given back to Islam Makhachev on November 19, 2025 after he claimed the welterweight championship.