Gasol, Nadal, Alonso and… ‘Matador’ Topuria, who lifted Spain into the UFC sky

Be born Halle (Germany) and Georgian parentsIlia Topuria is a born warrior. Alicante. with her brother, Alexander TopuriaThey engaged in Greco-Roman wrestling in their childhood on German soil. However, he got introduced to mixed martial arts when he came to live in Spain in 2012. Ilia and Alexandre, 15 and 16 years old respectively, started their history with this sport in the gym. Climent Club from Alicante.

The Topuria brothers have always had a special ability in the Octagon. To date, Alexandre has not had a career as brilliant as Ilia’s. But, ‘Conqueror’ He works hard every day to get into the UFC just like his brother.

The younger brother’s story is different. Ilia Topuria was developing and burning scenes with dizzying speed. His talent and superiority were undeniable.. He made his big debut on October 1, 2020. zalal as a substitute for seung woo choi on the 10th of the same month. ‘Matador’ didn’t think for a moment, he and his crew packed their bags and set off. Abu Dhabi.

Complete success in UFC

Ilia Topuria debuted in the UFC and earned points. Neither the short preparation time nor the recent passing of Kovid could prevent the Spaniard’s victory. Ilia’s talent was obvious, so Veal WhiteThe UFC president came to greet him when the fight was over.

The UFC boss knew at that moment that Ilia Topuria would be a big name in her competition. This was just the beginning of a successful career. Less than two months later, he turned against the octagon. damon jackson. His second duel in the UFC meant: First victory by KO. did the same with him ryan hall And jai herbert in their third and fourth fights. His fifth appointment in the octagon was different, in Defeated Bryce Mitchell by submission. Reach ninth place in the UFC featherweight rankings.

These five victories allowed the Spanish wrestler to maintain his undefeated status and choose to move up to fifth place if defeated. Josh Emmett. It was. ‘El Matador’ defeats American wrestler unanimously He became one of the judges and moved up to fifth place in the UFC featherweight rankings.

Ilia Topuria dominated Emmett throughout the match. Aware of the danger of the American being hit from above, the Spaniard chose to remain calm, with a good guard at distance. Topuria took the middle of the octagon and He was hurting Emett with his boxing against. The American’s face was proof of Topuria’s complete dominance, which miraculously did not knock Emett out.

That’s why ‘El Matador’ calls himself that. A marked fighter Brazilian jiu-jitsu style and a deadly right hand this amount Unbeaten in 14 games for the Spaniard, Six of them in the UFC. But Topuria’s dominance in different records means that she is not afraid of anyone. If a fighter fights against his profile, Ilia will fall smoothly to the ground, and if he encounters a punch, he will race on his feet.

UFC to arrive in Spain at belt contender’s hands

“If they offer me to fight Max Holloway in Spain, let’s do it. Otherwise, I’ll wait for my chance at the championship.”reassured Topuria after defeating Josh Emmett. ‘El Matador’ is clear when talking about his future. He wants to bring the UFC to Spain, especially at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Spaniard would love to fight against him. cavity (No. 2 in the standings) He feels the heat of the Spanish fans. Actually, Dana White has promised to bring the UFC to Spain when she reaches the top 5. your ranking. Now that Topuria has done its part, it’s all up to the UFC.

But, The main goal of Ilia Topuria is to defeat Alexander Volkanovski.The reigning featherweight champion: “I want Volkanovski to keep his belt and come here. His legacy is over. start mine”He was sentenced to ‘El Matador’.

Volkanovski will defend his belt against yair rodriguez (interim champion) July 9th. After that championship game It will be Ilia Topuria’s turn to choose the belt If the UFC gets it that way.