Ilia Topuria, the Spanish-Georgian fighter, spoke with a calm certainty this Thursday, saying he feels like a plane—physically, mentally, and spiritually ready. He is just a bit over three weeks from challenging Alexander Volkanovski, the Australian and current UFC featherweight champion, a fighter who is widely respected for his experience and victories. While many see this as a tough test, Topuria believes the moment is finally his time.
He told reporters during a Madrid media day that he has dreamed and trained for this moment since starting the sport. He feels he can win and has no regrets because he has given everything he has. After the media gathering, the Alicante native prepared to head to the United States for the title clash, scheduled to take place over the weekend from February 17 to 18 in California.
Before roughly 50 journalists, Topuria admitted that he had already pictured his hand raised high after the fight. If there is a goal, he pursues it fully, so he always believes in victory. He does not count the days because the days count for him, and he is confident the belt will come in three weeks, he said with a steady voice.
Topuria and Volkanovski have had more than one exchange before this battle, both in person and online. Yet the Spaniard emphasized that the foundation of their relationship is respect, and he described Volkanovski as a supreme champion whom he respects and admires as a rival. He spoke of the many battles his opponent has fought and stated that this moment belongs to him, too.
While some people consider him arrogant, Topuria defended his confidence, noting that it comes from hours of hard work, perseverance, and a daily commitment to not settling for less. He recalled moments of doubt and the ways he managed to overcome them, stressing that medals are earned through relentless training and the will to show up and compete with everything on the line.
Topuria aims to become a legend
He enters the championship bout with an undefeated record this far in the UFC. In June, he defeated American Josh Emmett by unanimous decision to extend his winning streak to 14. He credits his team for his progress and highlights a continuous evolution that keeps him growing. The path has been long, but every step has shaped a better version of himself.
As the big moment approached, Topuria explained that his focus was on happiness and the pursuit of legendary status rather than mere success. He described staying balanced throughout the process and maintaining mental resilience, offering a glimpse into the mindset that fuels his performance and physical strength.
He sees himself in the greats
Traveling to California with pride, Topuria spoke about representing Spain and his Georgian roots. He even drew a comparison that he hopes fuels his drive: being able to stand alongside legends such as Fernando Alonso or Rafael Nadal would be a tremendous honor. The possibility of becoming world champion is a powerful motivation for him as he steps into the arena.
Unlike recent preparations, this time he trained at home in Alicante, preferring the familiar surroundings of his base. He explained that returning to the sources that brought him here feels right, spending much of his time at a high-performance center in the Valencian Community to stay in peak shape.
Clear plans for UFC in Spain
Topuria has a clear road map after the fight, focusing on what lies ahead and the opportunities to pursue his goals. He stated that he knows which path will benefit his career the most and is entirely focused on what happens on February 17. It is evident that a future UFC event in Spain is on the horizon in 2024, with talks already underway that could allow more Spanish athletes to compete before their home crowd.
Topuria tossed out a bold idea about facing Conor McGregor. He suggested entertaining a bout between the two if the opportunity arises, painting a picture of a potential blockbuster event for pay-per-view and ticket sales. He added that beating McGregor would mark another major milestone on the road to legend status, acknowledging that every athlete has a peak and a limit, yet his time could come sooner than expected.
In closing, Topuria announced the creation of a foundation aimed at helping children on the streets access education and safe facilities. He said the project is progressing through the necessary steps and that bringing real, lasting help is a priority. The focus remains on making a difference for young people and shaping futures with opportunity and hope.