Ilia Topuria is the lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/UFC
Widely popular and at the top of the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, Ilia Topuria is expected to defend his lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg) for the first time later this year. Earlier this week, international media speculated that the chosen challenger would be Justin gaethje in New York, but that's not the case. At least, that's the information Spanish journalist Alvaro Colmenero has provided.
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In a post on X (formerly Twitter) last Wednesday (27), Colmenero addressed the future of the main Spanish athletes in the UFC, such as Joel alvarez and Ilia himself. According to him, the possibility of the Georgian/Spanish defending the belt this year is remote.
“Many of you have written to me to ask if it is true that Joel Alvarez fought in Paris and Ilia Topuria in New York. As far as I know, the answer is no. I hope Joel can fight in October/November and Topuria in January/February,” said the journalist, who works as a reporter for Eurosport Spain.
Many have written to me to ask me if it is true that Joel Alvarez peleaba in Paris and Ilia Topuria in New York.
✖️ Wherever I come from, the answer is NO.
I hope Joel can fight in October/November and Topuria in January/February.
— Álvaro Colmenero (@KOlmeneroMMA) August 27, 2025
Topuria is undefeated in MMA
Ilia poses with two UFC belts after victory against Charles of the Bronx. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.
At 28, Ilia Topuria is in the best phase of his career. He has a record of 17 professional fights and in his last appearance he won Charles of the Bronx by knockout in the first round in his first title shot. Furthermore, El Matador dominated the featherweight division (up to 65,7 kg) with victories against Alexander Volkanovsky e Max Holloway.
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