Ilia Topuria is ready to take his career to the next level.
The undefeated Spain-based Georgian fighter is one of the hottest prospects in the sport. With nine of his 10 pro wins coming via finish, Topuria (10-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) boasts a well-round game with elite grappling and knockout power.
He got the short-notice call for his UFC debut in October, dominating a tough Youssef Zalal for his first career decision win. Just two months later, Topuria faced veteran Damon Jackson and needed less than three minutes to take him out with a brutal knockout.
If Topuria continues to dispatch his opponents in impressive fashion, a fast rise is inevitable, and the 24-year-old prospect is more than ready for the push.
“I want to become a great UFC fighter as soon as possible,” Topuria told MMA Junkie Radio through an interpreter. “It’s one of my dreams since the day I signed with the UFC, and I want to go fast and bright, like a star. I think my fights and my acts talk about me, who I am, how I do things and how I perform in my fights.
“I don’t want to sound arrogant, but it’s something that I really think. I trust myself, and I’m very confident. I’m sure that I’m very good, and step by step I’m going to prove what I’m saying.”
Topuria currently splits his time at Climent Club in Alicante, Spain, and MMA Masters in Florida. Joining a wave of elite Georgian fighters such as bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili and the streaking Giga Chikadze, Topuria is certainly feeling the love from his home country as he continues his rise on MMA’s biggest proving ground.
Ilia Topuria ready for fast rise: ‘I want to become a great UFC fighter as soon as possible’