A resurfaced grappling match clip featuring UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has recently gone viral, offering fans a glimpse into his early years before his rise to UFC stardom.
Ilia Topuria, a 27-year-old Georgian, has garnered acclaim for his versatile skill set and aggressive fighting style since his debut in 2015. Renowned for his proficiency in boxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Topuria’s dynamic approach to combat sports has earned him recognition as a formidable athlete.
Following an undefeated streak and capturing the Cage Warriors championship, Topuria made his UFC debut in 2020, steadily ascending the ranks to global prominence. Through a series of impressive victories against formidable opponents, he eventually secured a title shot and faced Alexander Volkanovski for the coveted featherweight belt.
Their clash headlined UFC 298 on February 17 in Anaheim, California. In a thrilling encounter, Topuria emerged victorious, delivering a knockout blow to Volkanovski in the second round, thereby clinching the UFC featherweight championship.
The triumph catapulted Topuria to even greater prominence, prompting widespread curiosity about his background and journey to the summit of the MMA world. Recently, an old submission grappling match featuring Topuria resurfaced on social media, showcasing his early grappling endeavors.
The footage, presumably from several years ago, depicts a youthful Topuria engaged in intense grappling exchanges on the mat. While displaying glimpses of his potential, Topuria appeared less polished and agile compared to his present-day self, underscoring the remarkable progress he has made over the years.
Like many notable mixed martial artists, Topuria’s journey to MMA greatness was preceded by a foundation in jiu-jitsu, initiated by his father at the age of 4. Additionally, he commenced training in greco-roman wrestling at the age of 7, participating in numerous tournaments before transitioning to MMA.
With his recent triumph over Volkanovski, Topuria has ascended to the pinnacle of the UFC featherweight division, boasting an unblemished record of 15 wins. Looking ahead, he aims to defend his title against a slew of formidable challengers in the division, with plans to return to action in October or November.
