Ilia Topuria is days away from chasing UFC gold once again. After steamrolling through the featherweight division, the undefeated juggernaut is moving up in weight to take on Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. With Dagestani phenom Islam Makhachev chasing welterweight glory, the stage is now set for Topuria vs. Oliveira for the vacant lightweight crown.
But while fans are hyped for the clash, there’s one question that never seems to go away: Where is Ilia Topuria really from? Spain or Georgia? And what about his roots, his beliefs, his faith? Let’s break it down.
Where is Ilia Topuria from? Ethnicity and nationality
Ilia Topuria was born on January 21, 1997 in Halle Westfalen, Germany, to Georgian parents, and at age seven, he and his family moved to his homeland, Georgia. It was in Georgia where Topuria first stepped onto the wrestling mats, learning the Greco-Roman style that would become part of his DNA. But little did he know that his time in his home country would come to an end pretty soon.
At age 15, following the Russo-Georgian War, his family packed their bags once again, this time settling in Spain. And it was here that he started learning mixed martial arts in Alicante. Topuria loved the idea of Spain opening up its arms for him and said in an Instagram post that he hoped to lift Spain’s flag over his head someday.
The 28-year-old began his journey with the UFC when he got a short-notice bout against Youssef Zalal at a Fight Night event on October 11, 2020. To put things in perspective, Alexander Volkanovski won his title fight against Max Holloway and became the featherweight champion in 2019.
That means, ‘The Great’ has reigned supreme for longer than Topuria has even been with the promotion. But that didn’t mean he was invincible. Topuria took control of the bout at UFC 298 and claimed the mantle of UFC featherweight champion.
Either way, the Georgian force of nature knows no fear and once announced, “Soon the world is going to know me” on his Instagram post as he came to the United States of America in Las Vegas for the UFC.
But with his veins containing Georgian genes, he often shoulders the Spanish flag. This has indeed made the fight fans wonder about his nationality.
Why does Ilia Topuria represent Spain?
Ilia Topuria, although he hails from Georgia, has acquired Spanish citizenship following his phenomenal victory over ‘The Great’. He had already made several requests to the Council of Ministers for citizenship in Spain, and in 2024, the featherweight champion’s wish finally came true.
Talking to the media during a press conference, the Minister of Education and Science of Spain, Pilar Alegira said, “The Council of Ministers has given the go-ahead to grant citizenship to Ilia Topuria. They know that he is a world-famous fighter in mixed martial arts, has been training in our country since 2012, and is an example of overcoming, and is also a benchmark in the sport discipline. Therefore, the Council of Ministers approves the granting of nationality to Topuria.”
His love for Spain, too, is visible even in his moniker ‘El Matador’. Matadors are brave bullfighters who have the ultimate task of defeating the bull that they’re put in a stadium with. However, given his roots, does he believe in a particular religion?
Which religion does Ilia Topuria follow?
Ilia Topuria wears his faith as openly as he wears his gloves. He’s a devout Christian and often credits his success to a higher power. In an interview with UFC.com, he shared, “So I just thank God every morning that he’s giving me all the tools to achieve my goals. When God gives you a vision, he also gives you all the tools and skills to fulfill your goals and your dreams.”
His devotion to Christianity often shows in and out of the cage, including during a past interaction with Max Holloway on social media. After Holloway’s stunning BMF win at UFC 300, Topuria congratulated him while confidently predicting he’d be the first to knock him out, which he eventually did.
June 5, 2025, Madrid, Spain: Ultimate Fighting Championship UFC fighter, Ilia Topuria attends WOW 20 Madrid press conference at Teatro Amaya in Madrid. Madrid Spain – ZUMAs197 20250605_aaa_s197_022 Copyright: xAtilanoxGarciax
But he didn’t stop there. Topuria quoted Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Holloway, a man of faith himself, fired back with his own scripture, citing Jeremiah 51:20.
In a sport driven by callouts, these two did it with Bible verses. And taking a look at ‘El Matador’s early life and story, it’s not hard to see why he’s found his refuge and an unwavering self-belief through his faith.
Ilia Topuria’s early life and background
Before the bright lights of the Octagon and UFC gold, Ilia Topuria’s story was one of movement and struggle. His parents, displaced by war, gave him roots in Germany, Georgia, and eventually Spain. In Georgia, he learned to wrestle. In Spain, he sharpened his jiu-jitsu and striking. By 2018, he and his brother Alex became the first Georgians to earn black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Topuria started his pro career with four straight submission wins in Spain. He later made waves internationally and eventually joined the UFC in 2020. Since then, he’s stayed undefeated, toppling names like Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.
As he prepares to face ‘Do Bronx’ at UFC 317, Ilia Topuria stands as a man of many flags. Georgian at heart, Spanish by honor, and Christian by faith, ‘El Matador’ carries it all into the Octagon!
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