by MangaMoon

Aleksandre Topuria

Remember… Aleksandre Topuria entering the UFC Octagon for the first time, with Ilia standing in his corner? For years, audiences had seen Aleksandre supporting his younger brother. Alongside his own fighting career, he worked as a coach and helped Ilia prepare for Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. His UFC debut reversed their familiar roles: Aleksandre fought while Ilia supported him. His professional career began in 2015. Two victories were followed by a defeat and several years away from competition before his return in 2021. All five victories he earned before joining the UFC came through first-round finishes. His background extends beyond striking: he has held a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt since 2018. At UFC 312 in Sydney in February 2025, he faced Colby Thicknesse. Aleksandre combined measured boxing with wrestling, capped the opening round with a suplex, and controlled his opponent on the ground in the third. All three judges scored it 30–27 in his favor. The performance showed the experience behind the surname: careful shot selection, defense, and the ability to connect different fighting disciplines. The man so often seen in another fighter’s corner was celebrating his own victory.

Material: wooden