SUMMARY
- Ilia Topuria secured the UFC Featherweight Championship by defeating Alexander Volkanovski in the second round.
- Although born in Halle Westfalen, Germany, Ilia Topuria holds both Georgian and Spanish nationalities.
Ilia Topuria has made headlines across the world by emerging as the UFC World Champion beating Alexander Volkanovski earlier today. Ilia eliminated Alexander Volkanovski in the second round to win the prestigious featherweight title. With that, he also ended the Australian champion’s four-year reign delivering a devastating series of strikes.
As Ilia claimed the win and enjoyed his moment of victory with the belt strapped around his waist at UFC 298, one thing that caught everyone’s eye was the flag he carried. Athletes usually carry the flag of the country they represent. As for Ilia, he was carrying two flags namely, that of Spain and Georgia. This left many in splits, but here’s the truth.
Is Ilia Topuria Spanish?
Many wrestling fans are aware that Ilia was born in Halle Westfalen, Germany. Although he was born in Germany, he was born to Georgian parents. Later when he was seven years old, the Topuria family moved to Georgia. That’s where he began practising Greco-Roman Wrestling during his school days.
At the age of 15, Ilia shifted to live in Alicante, Spain. This is where the wrestler started practicing martial arts at the Climent Club. Later in 2015, Ilia made his professional debut in local competitions.
Interestingly, Ilia Topuria holds both, Georgian and Spanish nationalities. Although he was born in Germany, his parents share a Georgian heritage, and Spain is where he spent most of his life. Thus, the UFC champion has expressed his fondness for both countries as well as the opportunities they have provided him.
Why Ilia Topuria does not carry the German flag?
Now the obvious question is if Ilia Topuria was born in Germany, why doesn’t he carry the German flag or represent Germany in his professional career? The answer is simple. Although he was born in Germany, his nationality is not German. An athlete can only represent the country of which they hold nationality. Therefore, he does not carry the German flag or represent Germany.
Look at Ilia Topuria now. The hype is real.pic.twitter.com/jNj2ktgcaR
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) February 18, 2024
On the other hand, he holds the nationality of both Georgia and Spain. His valid citizenship in both nations, Georgia and Spain make him eligible to represent either of the two in his fighting career. Ilia has expressed his willingness to represent both countries in the UFC, and hence he is seen carrying the Spanish as well as the Georgian flag.
People from both countries are proud and celebrating the feat that the 27-year-old has achieved. Ilia became the fifth featherweight champion in the history of UFC.