Ilia Topuria: When does fight next| Belts| How old is

Introduction

Ilia Topuria, known as “El Matador,” is one of the most exciting and dominant stars in the UFC. As of mid-August 2025, the undefeated gamer (17-0) has leveled up—literally—by capturing championships in two divisions. This article explores when he fights next, which belts he holds, his age and background, and what lies ahead for this rising legend.

1. Who Is Ilia Topuria?

• Age & Background: Born on January 21, 1997, Ilia Topuria is currently 28 years old. Originally born in Germany to Georgian parents and later moved to Spain, he has showcased an impressive trajectory in MMA.

• Undefeated Record: He remains unbeaten at 17-0-0, with 7 wins by knockout and 8 by submission.

• Fighting Style & Stats: Standing at 5′-7″ with a 69″ reach and an orthodox stance, Topuria blends lethal striking with elite grappling, averaging 4.81 significant strikes landed per minute and defending 93% of takedowns.

2. Belts Held by Ilia Topuria

Ilia is now a two-division UFC champion:

• Featherweight (145 lbs): He defeated Alexander Volkanovski (Feb 2024) and Max Holloway (Oct 2024), becoming and defending the title.

• Lightweight (155 lbs): On June 28, 2025, at UFC 317, Ilia knocked out Charles Oliveira in the first round to claim the vacant lightweight title.
  This achievement makes him the first undefeated fighter to hold UFC titles in two weight classes. Ilia Topuria next fight.

3. What’s His Next Fight (As of August 2025)?

• No Official Bout Announced: Ilia currently does not have a scheduled fight.

• Speculative Opponents:

  • Arman Tsarukyan – A top contender who has publicly targeted Topuria and considers a title fight negotiation at 70% likely.

  • Paddy Pimblett – A heated rivalry could land them opposite each other next, though UFC President Dana White is reportedly hesitant.

  • Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway (rematch), or a champion-vs-champion superfight with Islam Makhachev are other plausible options.

  • Some pundits note that Topuria himself has mentioned interest in two next-fight options—in lightweight—but those names remain undisclosed.

In summary, no next fight is confirmed, but several high-profile contenders are lining up soon. Ilia Topuria next fight.

4. Career Highlights

• Featherweight Achievements:

  • Defeated Volkanovski (Feb 2024) and Holloway (Oct 2024) to earn and defend the title.

• Transition to Lightweight:

  • February 2025: Vacated his featherweight title in order to pursue bigger challenges at lightweight.

  • June 2025: Captured lightweight championship by knocking out Oliveira in the first round at UFC 317.

• Accolades & Reputation:

  • Earned Performance of the Night honors for his finish at UFC 317.

  • Widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC.

  • His rise as a two-division, undefeated champion has been likened to feats accomplished by Conor McGregor. Ilia Topuria next fight.

5. Future Outlook

• Possible Matchups:

  • Arman Tsarukyan looks like the most likely next contender, driven by rankings and public statements.

  • A grudge match with Paddy Pimblett remains fan-favorite but faces internal resistance.

  • If or when Islam Makhachev returns, a champion-vs-champion bout could redefine the lightweight division.

  • Justin Gaethje or Max Holloway (rematch) also merit consideration based on their recent form and narrative logic.

• Public Statements:

  • Ilia has expressed readiness to defend his title and exhibited confidence in facing top contenders.

  • Meanwhile, Tsarukyan’s manager has welcomed Topuria’s remarks about vacating the belt to avoid facing him—adding fuel to the drama.

FAQs

1. When is Ilia Topuria’s next fight?

No date or opponent has been officially confirmed as of August 17, 2025. Speculations include Arman Tsarukyan, Paddy Pimblett, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway (rematch), or even Islam Makhachev should he return.

2. Which UFC belts does Ilia Topuria hold?

Ilia is currently the Lightweight (155 lbs) Champion and is the first undefeated fighter to hold titles in two UFC divisions—Featherweight and Lightweight.

3. How old is Ilia Topuria?

He is 28 years old, born on January 21, 1997.

4. What is his professional MMA record?

Topuria is undefeated at 17-0-0, with a mix of knockouts and deadly submissions.

5. Who are likely opponents next?

Arman Tsarukyan appears most likely based on rankings and public interest. Other contenders include Paddy Pimblett, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway (rematch), or a fresh matchup with Islam Makhachev.

Conclusion

Ilia Topuria stands at a pivotal point in his career: an undefeated, two-division UFC champion, hungry for compelling challengers—and the world is watching. While no fight is scheduled, the heavyweight whispers around Tsarukyan, Pimblett, Gaethje, Holloway, and Makhachev suggest the stakes are sky-high. Stay tuned – the next chapter of “El Matador” may be around the corner.