The Ilia Topuria next fight news should arrive in the coming weeks. Until then, we look at three opponent options for the new lightweight champion and recap his dominant championship victory at UFC 317.
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Who will Ilia Topuria next fight be against?
After victories over a pair of featherweight legends, Topuria moved up to lightweight in search of history. He achieved it by becoming the 10th fighter to win UFC gold in two divisions. In his first defense, the new 155-pound king is likely to get an elite challenger. That is why bouts with Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, or Paddy Pimblett are likely next.
- The Highlight: Gaethje is one of the best fighters in division history. A case could have been made that he should have gotten a title opportunity before Oliveira. The same can still be said.
- Ahalkalakets: Tsarukyan missed out on a title opportunity after missing weight at UFC 311. Of all the contenders, he is the most worthy.
- The Baddy: The Englishman confronted Topuria inside the Octagon following his UFC 317 win. The champ wants the fight, but his boss, Dana White, is not too hot about it, and that is the biggest hurdle.
Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira review
Despite fighting at 155 pounds for the first time at UFC 317, Ilia Topuria was a sizable favorite in his scrap with former champ Charles Oliveira. The oddsmakers were right, and the former featherweight king needed less than a round to make history.
What Happened: Oliveira used the style that made him a lightweight legend against Topuria. That was a bad idea. His aggressiveness cost him as the division newbie used his jab and great footwork to pick his foe apart. Then, when he went for take-downs, Topuria stuffed them at every turn.
Also Read: UFC lightweight rankings – Where does Ilia Topuria land in our latest top 10?
The Fallout: Eventually, Topuria landed a filthy one-two-punch that brought a thunderous end to the bout in Round 1. Crowning a new lightweight champion. By beating Oliveira, the new titlist added a third legend and former champ to his impressive hit list.
What’s Next? Topuria is sure to get a stiff test in his first time defense. And that will likely be Justin Gaethje.
What makes Ilia Topuria so popular?
Topuria has gone from one of the best prospects in the UFC to one of the company’s best fighters over the last five years. He has had the type of dominant run fans have not seen since Khabib Nurmagomedov terrorized the company in the previous decade.
- Ilia Topuria record: 17-0
- Ilia Topuria height: 5-foot-7
- Ilia Topuria last fight: Knockout win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317
- Ilia Topuria weight class: Lightweight
- Before being signed by the UFC, Topuria was a budding star in Brave CF. The same company that produced middleweight star Khamzat Chimaev.
- Topuria has won his first nine fights inside the Octagon, including seven finishes.
- During his dominant run in the company, Topuria has scored wins over three of the best fighters of their era: Max Holloway, Alexander Volkanovski, and Charles Oliveira.
- Topuria is currently ranked No. 1 on the UFC’s pound for pound rankings. He is second on Sportsnaut’s top 10.
- How many languages does Ilia Topuria speak? Topuria is believed to speak five languages. They are Georgian, Spanish, German, English, and Mingrelian.
- Is Ilia Topuria a German citizen? He is of Georgian descent, but was raised in Germany. However, he moved to Spain in his teens and has become a national hero there.
Ilia Topuria net worth
As of 2025, Ilia Topuria’s net worth is estimated to be just under $2 million after nine fights inside the Octagon.
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