UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria recently demonstrated his grappling techniques with a young female fan during what appears to be a public meet-and-greet session.
The video, which has been circulating on social media platforms, shows Topuria participating in a lighthearted grappling exchange. The champion can be seen carefully controlling his movements as the young fan attempts various submission techniques, including a guillotine choke.
Throughout the interaction, Topuria maintains a playful demeanor while ensuring the safety of his young opponent. When she jumps for a guillotine attempt, he carefully carries her, making sure not to disrupt her balance. As the impromptu session continues, the fan attempts a single-leg takedown, to which Topuria responds with a controlled sprawl.
The exchange showcases Topuria’s patience as he allows the young fan to work through different positions, including guard play and turtle position. At one point, Topuria takes her back but continues to move with measured control, later attempting arm submissions before allowing her to recover guard position.
The video has generated mixed reactions on social media. Many fans praised the champion for taking time to interact with young enthusiasts of the sport, with one user commenting, “All these weirdo ass haters lmao goated material,” suggesting they found Topuria’s actions admirable.
Others expressed different opinions, with some questioning the appropriateness of the interaction or making comparisons to other UFC stars like Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan who refuse to engage female fans compeltely.
Topuria, who captured the UFC Featherweight Championship earlier this year with a victory over Alexander Volkanovski, has been building his profile as one of the organization’s rising stars. This fan interaction demonstrates his commitment to connecting with supporters of all ages while sharing his passion for the sport.
Topuria is likely to face either Makhachev or Oliveira for the lightweight title at UFC 317.
