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 currently competing in the UFC's Lightweight division, where he is the reigning champion. He is also the former UFC Featherweight Champion, the first fighter from Georgia and Spain to achieve this feat. As of November 18, 2025, he holds the #2 spot in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings. Topuria has been a professional MMA fighter since 2015 and has quickly risen to prominence in the UFC.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Professional Debut

In 2015, Ilia Topuria made his professional debut in local competitions after training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and switching to mixed martial arts.

November 15, 2019: Second Brave CF Fight

On November 15, 2019, Ilia Topuria won his second fight in BRAVE by defeating Steven Goncalves by KO in the first round.

October 11, 2020: UFC Debut

On October 11, 2020, Ilia Topuria made his UFC debut as a replacement for Seung Woo Choi, facing Youssef Zalal at UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen. Topuria won the fight via unanimous decision.

December 5, 2020: Victory Against Damon Jackson

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

2020: Signs with UFC

In 2020, Ilia Topuria officially signed with the UFC and won his first 6 fights in the promotion, including a dominant decision win over Josh Emmett which earned him a title shot.

July 10, 2021: Victory Against Ryan Hall

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

March 19, 2022: Performance of the Night Award

On March 19, 2022, Ilia Topuria faced Jai Herbert at UFC Fight Night 204, replacing Mike Davis. Despite being knocked down in round one, Topuria recovered and won the fight via knockout in round two, earning him the Performance of the Night award.

December 10, 2022: Performance of the Night Award

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

June 17, 2023: Scheduled Fight

Ilia Topuria was initially scheduled to face Josh Emmett on June 17, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 47. This fight was later rescheduled.

June 24, 2023: Fight of the Night Award

On June 24, 2023, Ilia Topuria faced Josh Emmett at UFC on ABC: Emmett vs. Topuria. He won the fight via unanimous decision, and the bout earned him the Fight of the Night award.

October 2023: Scheduled Fight Against Volkanovski

In October 2023, Ilia Topuria was scheduled to face Alexander Volkanovski on January 20, 2024, for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 297. However, the fight was later pushed back one month.

October 21, 2023: Volkanovski Fights Makhachev

On October 21, 2023, Alexander Volkanovski, originally scheduled to fight Ilia Topuria in January 2024, faced Islam Makhachev for the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 294 on 10 days' notice, replacing an injured Charles Oliveira, and was knocked out in the first round.

January 20, 2024: Scheduled Fight Against Volkanovski

On January 20, 2024, Ilia Topuria was scheduled to face Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 297 for the UFC Featherweight Championship but this fight was ultimately postponed.

February 17, 2024: Performance of the Night Award

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

October 26, 2024: Performance of the Night Award

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

2024: Featherweight Championship Title Defense and Vacating

In 2024 Ilia Topuria had several career milestones. He challenged Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 on February 17th, winning the UFC Featherweight Championship via knockout in the second round. He then secured his first title defense on October 26th against Max Holloway at UFC 308, stopping him in the third round. After vacating the belt, Topuria faced Charles Oliveira for the vacant Lightweight title, knocking him out in the first round to become a two-division champion with an undefeated record.

February 2025: Aleksandre Topuria's UFC Debut

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

February 19, 2025: Title Vacated

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, lack of interest in the division's competition, and a desire to move up to lightweight permanently.

June 28, 2025: Performance of the Night Award and Multi-Division Champion

On June 28, 2025, Ilia Topuria faced Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 317 and defeated Oliveira by knockout, becoming the 10th multi-division champion in UFC history. The fighter earned him another Performance of the Night award.

November 18, 2025: UFC Pound-for-Pound Ranking

As of November 18, 2025, Ilia Topuria is ranked #2 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.

November 19, 2025: UFC Pound-for-Pound Ranking Change

On November 19, 2025, Ilia Topuria was initially promoted to #1 in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings following his victory over Charles Oliveira. However, the #1 ranking was given back to Islam Makhachev after he claimed the welterweight championship.

June 14, 2026: Scheduled Title Defense

Ilia Topuria is scheduled to make his first title defense against interim champion Justin Gaethje in the main event on June 14, 2026 at UFC Freedom 250.