Ilia Topuria continues to dominate inside the cage, but the undefeated UFC champion is already honest about one unavoidable reality. No matter how successful a fighter becomes, the sport does not last forever.
Topuria recently addressed growing questions about how long he plans to remain in mixed martial arts, acknowledging that fans are increasingly concerned about the idea of him stepping away sooner rather than later.
“Are they afraid that I will retire? Wow,” Topuria said. “Let’s see, I think that usually happens to us with many athletes that I think we all know, for example it has happened to us with Rafa Nadal, we never wanted him to retire… but there comes a time when he has to do it, you know?”
Understanding The Fear Around Retirement
Topuria explained that he fully understands why supporters want to keep watching him compete, especially given how much his presence has grown on fight nights.
“I understand that there are many people who do not want me to retire, who can always put a Saturday night in front of the TV or travel and be able to see me compete,” he said. “But in the end I think in sport we all have an expiration date, and mine will come without a doubt.”
The conversation, according to Topuria, is not simple or comfortable. He admitted that the thought of life after MMA has crossed his mind more than once.
“And don’t think it’s an easy internal conversation, you know?” he added.
Life After The Routine Ends
Topuria described how deeply MMA has shaped his daily existence and why the transition away from competition would represent a major adjustment.
“Sometimes I’ve thought about it, about what my life would be like when I have to retire from the sport,” he said. “When I don’t have this routine that I’m used to having since I think I’m aware of it, to get up, train, do my diet.”
While he plans to stay active and prioritize health even after retirement, he acknowledged that the purpose behind training will inevitably change.
“And although always throughout my life I will prioritize sport and I will always take care of my body and my health,” Topuria explained, “but it will not be in the same way, right?”
“It’s not going to be to surpass myself anymore, it’s not going to be to break records, to break barriers,” he continued. “I’m going to have a different approach.”
To help navigate those thoughts, Topuria has leaned on others who have already stepped away from competition.
“So it’s sometimes an interesting conversation, I try to lean on my teammates who have already retired or are very close to retiring,” he said. “And it’s an interesting conversation, really.”
Boxing Is A Future Goal, Not A Distraction
Topuria also addressed ongoing speculation about a possible move to boxing, making it clear that such plans will only come after his MMA career is fully complete.
“It’s no secret that I always wanted to go and test my skills in boxing,” he said. “But I think something I’ve always applied to my life is that he who wants to hunt two rabbits in the end does not hunt either.”
For Topuria, attempting to balance both sports would be irresponsible.
“So I want to first finish my story in mixed martial arts, in MMA,” he explained, “and once I finish to make my complete transition to boxing.”
He detailed the differences that make that separation necessary.
“Because I can not be preparing for an MMA fight, then go, prepare for a boxing match, return,” Topuria said. “I think it would not be very professional, right?”
“Because boxing needs a completely different approach, a very, very, very different training to which I have to adapt,” he added.
The End Of One Chapter Will Start Another
Topuria emphasized that his boxing ambitions remain serious, but only when the timing is right.
“Obviously they are different times and come on, it’s not an octagon, it’s a ring,” he said. “And I would have to adapt to it, which takes time, like everything in life.”
Looking ahead, Topuria left little doubt that MMA will not be a lifelong pursuit.
“So now, at this moment, in mixed martial arts, when I’m done, I don’t think I’m going to be too long if I’m honest in this sport,” he said.
“I’ll make my transition to boxing,” Topuria concluded, “and I’m going to surprise more than one.” via Marca
Ilia Topuria last competed in June 2025, where he defeated Charles Oliveira to capture the UFC lightweight championship, adding a second title to his unbeaten resume.
