Ilia Topuria stands out in the UFC’s featherweight division. Born in Germany to Georgian parents and later relocating to Spain, the 27-year-old fighter carries a diverse heritage that has shaped his approach to mixed martial arts. Now based in Alicante, Spain, Topuria has built an undefeated record, blending technique, power, and strategy into a style that marks him as one of the most complete fighters in the game today. His rise is the result of hard-earned skill, not chance. Let’s dive into the components of “El Matador’s” approach that make him a dominant force in the cage.
Boxing Precision That Dominates
Topuria’s boxing is a cornerstone of his success. He relies on a tight guard, sharp jab, and smooth footwork to control range and set up his attacks. In his fight against Bryce Mitchell, he demonstrated this with crisp, accurate strikes, breaking down his opponent methodically before landing heavier blows.
His ability to target both the body and head keeps opponents guessing. He’ll dig hooks into the midsection, then switch upstairs with uppercuts or straight punches. The knockout of Jai Herbert showcased his timing, catching Herbert with a perfectly placed right hand. Topuria’s speed and accuracy make his boxing a precise weapon in the stand-up game.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu That Submits Opponents
Topuria’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is another pillar of his arsenal. A black belt in the discipline, he brings a submission game that’s both technical and relentless. His win over Damon Jackson highlighted this, as he dragged the fight to the mat and secured a choke with seamless execution.
His ground control extends beyond submissions. Topuria uses his grappling to dominate positionally, overwhelming opponents once he gets them down. Against Ryan Hall, a renowned grappler, he reversed the dynamic, taking top position and finishing with ground-and-pound for a TKO. This blend of BJJ and control makes him a threat on the canvas.
Wrestling That Grounds the Fight
Topuria’s wrestling ties his striking and grappling together. With a low stance and explosive takedowns, he can force the fight to the mat whenever he chooses. His ability to chain wrestling into his BJJ was evident against Hall, where he neutralized a specialist and turned the tables.
He doesn’t just take opponents down, he keeps them there. His top pressure and transitions stifle resistance, allowing him to dictate the fight’s direction. This wrestling foundation gives him options, whether he’s hunting submissions or setting up strikes.
Fight IQ That Outsmarts Veterans
Topuria’s mental game elevates his physical tools. He reads opponents with precision, adapting on the fly. His title-winning performance against Alexander Volkanovski proved this. Facing one of the division’s sharpest minds, Topuria stayed patient, absorbed early pressure, and struck at the right moment to finish the fight.
He maintains composure in chaos, resetting after taking shots and sticking to his strategy. This discipline, rare for a fighter his age, lets him navigate high-stakes moments with clarity and purpose.
Power That Ends Fights
Topuria’s punches carry serious force. Despite his average size for a featherweight, his technique generates knockout power. Fights against Herbert, Mitchell, and Volkanovski all ended with opponents crumpled from clean, powerful shots.
His leg kicks, while not his main focus, add another layer, slowing opponents down when needed. This combination of hand speed and impact makes him a finisher who can close the show standing or on the ground.
Versatility That Defines a Champion
Topuria’s confidence is evident, but it’s his versatility that sets him apart. He can box with precision, wrestle to control, or submit with BJJ, shifting seamlessly between disciplines. Against Max Holloway, he pressed forward with intent, landing decisive blows while staying composed.
This adaptability makes him unpredictable. Opponents can’t prepare for just one style because Topuria excels across the board, adjusting his approach as the fight demands.
The Future of El Matador
Topuria’s game continues to sharpen. Each fight reveals new layers, tighter striking, smoother transitions, and growing comfort in big moments. After capturing the featherweight title with a knockout of Volkanovski and defending it by stopping Holloway, he vacated the belt in February 2025. Citing a completed legacy at 145 pounds and struggles with the weight cut, Topuria now eyes the lightweight division, potentially targeting champion Islam Makhachev. A move to 155 pounds could redefine his career if he keeps dominating.
Ilia Topuria is a complete fighter, blending boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and fight IQ into a style that’s both effective and commanding. “El Matador” isn’t just winning fights, he’s redefining what it means to be a featherweight contender. The MMA world is watching, and he’s delivering every time he steps into the octagon.
