Ilia Topuria Picks New Residence and Training Camp Destination for Rest of MMA Career

Georgian-Spanish star Ilia Topuria will stay in the United States to focus on his dreams to become the greatest fighter in history.

Ilia Topuria Picks New Residence and Training Camp Destination for Rest of MMA Career

Ilia Topuria (via MMA Mania)

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has extensively trained in Spain for the last few years of his MMA career. He trained under Jorge Climent of Climent Club in Alicante, Spain for a long time. However, Topuria split with the coach last year to spend more time in Madrid, Spain.

The transition wasn’t smooth as the double champion was soon met with a problems in his personal life when his then-wife Giorgina Uzcategui made it clear that she wanted divorce. Uzcategui hails from Florida, United States. As such, she wanted to take their daughter that left Topuria in limbo.

After many court dates, it was eventually ruled that Topuria could visit his daughter and his ex-wife was asked to stay in Spain with their young daughter. Now, ‘El Matador’ has made a decision regarding his MMA career that would require him to stay in the South-Eastern United States for the time being.

The change of residence here is permament. It’s final. It was a difficult decision for me to make because I have my two children living in Spain, and all my family is there. But, sometimes, you have to prioritize things in life.

Ilia Topuria told EuroSport ES

The UFC lightweight champion also discussed about the changes he made, including bidding goodbye to Spain for now.

My sports career isn’t going to be long. Because I am looking for constant improvements, and to stay active, and to stay with my projects. The best thing now would be to stay in Miami. And once I retire, which won’t be late, then I will go back to Spain.

Ilia Topuria told EuroSport ES

Only recently did ex-UFC champion, Dricus Du Plessis, declare Topuria as the biggest active star in the UFC. With such praises and attention, Topuria would spend more time in the US to build his brand. The lightweight champion signing deals with brands like Richard Mille comes with promotional as well as ambassadorial works.

Topuria didn’t talk about his situation with his ex-wife in the interview. Choosing Miami may have something to do with Giorgina Uzcategui hailing from there. In the past, Topuria has spent time in the Miami area as well. He is close with ex-BMF champion and Miami native, Jorge Masvidal. As such, it definitely won’t be an unfamiliar setting for the UFC lightweight champion.

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Alex Pereira impressed by Ilia Topuria for handling situation during UFC Freedom 250 presser

Another person who had to move permanently to the US is the knockout artist, Alex Pereira. The Brazilian made the move more than a couple of years ago, but still doesn’t grasp the English language like Topuria does. Topuria and Pereira are among the top UFC fighters of this era. With that, both of them have huge mutual respect for one another.

Ilia Topuria trains with Alex Pereira
Ilia Topuria with Alex Pereira (via Instagram)

Both come with flashy knockout threat in their octagon outings, and has accomplished title wins in two separate divisions. During the first UFC Freedom 250 presser, rising heavyweight star Josh Hokit tried to get under the skin of Alex Pereira. Tired of the unwanted trash-talks, Topuria intervened and threw a bottle at Hokit.

Immediately, security staff came and escorted Hokit out of the presser. Once that happened, ‘Poatan’ thanked Topuria with a handshake for the Georgian-Spanish fighter’s effort. Recently, Pereira spoke about how much he was impressed by the gesture from the lightweight champion.

I think he felt bad that I don’t speak English, and many things were being saying there were kind of like the translation was not sharp… I’m definitely impressed by him, by Ilia Topuria.

Alex Pereira told Mike Heck of MMA Fighting

In almost a week’s time, Topuria and Pereira will attempt to create history at the White House. The Brazilian faces a tough task against Ciryl Gane in search of a historic third UFC title. Meanwhile, Topuria will look to defend his belt against Justin Gaethje in the main event.

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