Ahead of UFC 312 debut, Ilia Topuria’s brother predicted to become CHAMPION in less time than ‘El Matador’
UFC 312's Aleksandre Topuria, bantamweight debutant, is poised to become champ faster than featherweight champion Ilia Topuria.
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UFC 312's Aleksandre Topuria poised to be champ faster than Ilia Topuria (Source: X)
This weekend’s UFC 312 PPV card lost a few in the lineup but has gained a great matchup in the mix. Aleksandre Topuria, older brother of reigning UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, makes his UFC debut. The older Topuria’s oncoming is somewhat of a concern, according to Team Climent Club MMA and Co.
Subsequently, that’s saying something given the current domination by undefeated Ilia Topuria. He had a cocky Conor McGregor-ish confidence but stayed true to it. After vowing to do so, he defeated 145-pound GOAT candidates Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. Topuria’s manager, Lukasz Orzel, who micro handles all things, said the elder Topuria is a bigger reckoning for the current roster.
It took Ilia four years, to become a [UFC] champion, …Aleksandre can do it even quicker…I give him two to three years…
Lukasz Orzel to Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA)
Aleksandre Topuria hasn’t fought since a first-round TKO win in May 2023. Despite starting his pro run in 2015, the 28-year-old has only fought six times in nine years. But three of his five victories have come by stoppage and peers bill him a bigger threat every day now.
The older Topuria brother (5-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) makes the bantamweight debut at UFC 312, live from Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. He has trained with 135 rooster ruler and fellow Georgian Merab Dvalishvili ahead of PPV event.
“Now the bantamweight division will have its own Topuria,” says Lukasz Orzel, who manages the MMA careers of Ilia and Alexandre and has known the brothers since 2016. Alexandre (5-1 in MMA) makes his UFC debut this weekend at #UFC312 in Sydney, Australia. pic.twitter.com/JeID7D65jV
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 5, 2025
Even Dvalishvil bills him the best version among the trio! He has a long way to go to match Ilia’s fame. “El Matador” is a prime PPV spotlight for an El Clásico Spain Pay-per-view Arena affair. Last year, his performances at UFC 298 and UFC 308 remains unachievable for many. However, even the younger Topuria believes the older brother has more champion material; one foe is not buying it though.
Aleksandre Topuria ‘not his brother’ and hasn’t beaten anybody, per UFC 312 surprise opponent
Ilia Topuria has been cocky, played the harbinger with his roses, but stuck to it. He has beaten top names like the gritty Hawaiian Max Holloway and Aussie legend Alexander Volkanovski with the UFC featherweight title on the line. But has the other brother? UFC 312’s Colby Thicknesse says ‘nay.’
Aleksandre Topuria was to fight DWCS contract winner and Aussie prospect Cody Haddon this weekend. Contender Series graduate Haddon defeated Dan Argueta by unanimous decision this past October. However, Thicknesse will replace Haddon. Ahead of his debut, Thicknesse (7-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) does not care about Ilia Topuria’s link or influence rattling him about rival Aleksandre.
He’s definitely got the same sort of style because they train together, but he’s not his brother, and I’m going to go out there on and show it, …He hasn’t really beaten anybody noticeable. His opponent’s combined records aren’t that great.
Colby Thicknesse during UFC 312 PPV Media Day conference fighter interviews
Although critical, Colby Thicknesse appreciates both the linkages for their corners this has brought on as a spotlight. Volkanovski, his main training partner, corners Thicknesse for UFC 312. So, while Volk vs. Topuria 2 is far from a reality, this is like an official spotlight that brings them closer. Thus, it prompts a lot of attention to their individual debuts.
Related: “I’m announcing it!” Bo Nickal drops insider news on Ilia Topuria vs. Alexander Volkanovski rematch
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