Ilia Topuria is a former featherweight champion. Photo: Reproduction Instagram/UFC Europe
The recognized exchange capacity of Ilia Topuria is being sharpened for the duel against Charles of the Bronx. The fighters will compete for the vacant lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg) in the main fight of the UFC 317, scheduled for June 28, in Las Vegas (USA). The division throne was left by Islam makhachev to move up and feature among the welterweights (up to 77kg.)
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The Georgian-Spanish fighter – who made a similar move to Islam, leaving his featherweight title (up to 65,7kg) to move up a category – posted a video of part of his training. In the caption, he recalled that there are four weeks left until the duel. In the images, he shows a fast exchange with his sparring partner, investing in combinations with blows to the head and body. (see video below)
4 weeks to go pic.twitter.com/jzYtZ7CiJS
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) May 28, 2025
Boxing legend offers help
The recent breakup of Ilia Topuria with Jorge and Agustin Climent, his long-time coaches, opened up space for several names to express interest in helping the former featherweight champion prepare for the title fight against the Brazilian. Among them is boxing legend Roy Jones Jr.
Former four-division world champion in the noble art, Roy Jones Jr has dedicated his time to training new stars in the world of boxing, but believes he could greatly help Topuria to further sharpen his skills in stand-up fighting.
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