SUMMARY
- When Ilia Topuria was 15, his parents opted to shift to Spain due to the struggling economy in Georgia.
- Ilia's father reportedly allowed him to drop out of school to pursue MMA.
Ilia Topuria is one of the UFC’s latest, now on the cusp of champion status. Having made his way to the top with some electrifying performances and knockouts, Topuria has piqued the interest of many. As such, let’s find out more about his personal life, parents, and upbringing.
For the most part, ‘El Matador‘ has been on a solid tear in the UFC’s featherweight decision. Since his arrival in 2020, the fighter has managed to finish all but two of his six opponents. During his dominant rise through the rankings, Ilia has put some brutal beatings on some highly touted names within his division. Ahead of his title fight at UFC 298, he has also shown unwavering confidence and self-belief.
Notably, during his monumental rise to the top, Topuria absolutely demolished the likes of Damon Jackson and Ryan Hall. Despite some early adversity against Jai Herbert, Ilia managed to flatline his opponent. Most recently, the Spanish-Georgian fighter picked up two big scalps of Bryce Mitchell and Josh Emmett by submission and unanimous decision, respectively.
What do we know about Ilia Topuria’s parents?
As such, Ilia Topuria’s rise in the UFC may have brought up some questions from the fans. Aside from his Conor McGregor-esque trash-talking and future plans in the UFC, there is not much for the fans to go on with. However, the recent UFC 298 Countdown has allowed fans to get a better glimpse into the life of the fighter.
For those unaware, Ilia was born in Halle Westfalen, Germany, to Georgian parents, Zaza Topuria and InGa Bendeliani Topuria. Due to the struggling economy in Georgia, Ilia’s parents opted to shift to Spain when he was 15. It was here that he began his training at the city’s first MMA gym, Climent Club in Alicante.
Notably, there was a time very early on in his life when Ilia’s father reportedly allowed him to drop out of school to pursue MMA. As such, in a brief interaction involving Ilia and his girlfriend, Georgina Uzcategui Badell, Papa Topuria proudly exclaimed that his son had been unique ever since he was born. Further, he also praised his son’s dedication and graft, feeling proud of the results it has brought.
Ilia Topuria has had a long road to UFC title contention
All things considered, it must be emphasized that Ilia Topuria has had to earn his stripes. Over the years, he started learning more and more about different art forms and, most importantly, fully dedicating himself to his craft. Having established a base of Greco-Roman wrestling in Georgia, Topuria further refined his skills in Spain. Either way, he proudly represents the people of both nations when he fights.
Over the years, Ilia has worked extensively with Agustin and Jorge Climent. Notably, this allowed him to begin fighting in the regional circuits at a young age, supposedly finishing professional MMA fighters while he was still just 20. From being a budding young amateur, the fighter is now capable of turning over his teachers with relative ease.
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Thus, it was finally time for the phenom from Spain to answer the UFC’s call. Having landed some brutal beatdowns on some of the top dogs in his division, Ilia’s pedigree can no longer be doubted. As such, the work he has put in with the Climent brothers is finally bearing fruit. In addition to this, like for his fight against Josh Emmett, the 27-year-old hot prospect also tends to train at Kill Cliff FC in Florida ahead of his fights.