Ilia Topuria is a famous MMA fighter known for his UFC career. His real name is Ilia Topuria Bendeliani. In 2026, he is 29 years old. He was born on January 21, 1997, in Halle, Germany.
He stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 155 pounds. He is a former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight Champion. He held a 17-0 record before his first loss. His estimated net worth is $4–$5 million in 2026.
He started MMA in 2015 after training in jiu-jitsu. He trains at Topuria Team in Spain. He is known as “El Matador.” He holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is separated from Giorgina Uzcategui.
Ilia Topuria Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name / Real Name | Ilia Topuria Bendeliani |
| Stage Name | Ilia Topuria |
| Date of Birth | January 21, 1997 |
| Age in 2026 | 29 |
| Birthplace | Halle, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany |
| Nationality | Georgian, Spanish |
| Profession | MMA Fighter |
| Category | MMA Fighter |
| Education | Climent Club (Training) |
| Partner / Spouse | Giorgina Uzcategui (Separated) |
| Children | 2 (Hugo, daughter) |
| Career Start | 2015 |
| Company / Label / Team | Topuria Team |
| Major Works | UFC Featherweight & Lightweight Champion |
| Achievements | First Georgian & Spanish UFC Champion |
| Net Worth | $4–$5 million |
| Primary Income Source | UFC, Endorsements |
| Social Media Presence | Instagram, YouTube |
Ilia Topuria Real Name
Ilia Topuria was born as Ilia Topuria Bendeliani. He uses Ilia Topuria as his fighting name. His full name reflects his Georgian heritage. This is confirmed by Wikipedia and UFC records.
Topuria is known by the nickname “El Matador.” This nickname reflects his Spanish fighting style. His primary name is Ilia Topuria. He uses this name in UFC promotions.
Topuria was born in Halle, Germany. His real name reflects his Georgian roots. He is proud of his heritage. His name is respected in MMA.
Topuria‘s full name is often shortened by fans. His official UFC profile uses Ilia Topuria. His real name is used in legal documents. His name is synonymous with two-division greatness.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ilia Topuria Bendeliani |
| Nickname | “El Matador” |
| Fighting Name | Ilia Topuria |
| Birthplace | Halle, Germany |
Ilia Topuria Early Life and Education
Ilia Topuria grew up in Georgia after moving there at age 7. He was born on January 21, 1997. His parents were refugees from Abkhazia. He began Greco-Roman wrestling at a local school. His early life shaped his discipline.
Topuria moved to Alicante, Spain at age 15. He walked into a martial arts gym. He began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Climent Club. He won a silver medal at the IBJJF European 2014 tournament. His early life prepared him for MMA.
Topuria attended school in Georgia and Spain. His education details are not widely publicized. He earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He became the first Georgian black belt in BJJ alongside his brother. His education and training were key to his success.
Topuria values his family time. He keeps his family out of the spotlight. His parents supported his career. His family is his motivation. His family is central to his life.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Childhood | Greco-Roman wrestling in Georgia |
| Move to Spain | Age 15 |
| BJJ Training | Climent Club |
| BJJ Achievement | IBJJF European Silver Medal (2014) |
Ilia Topuria Parents and Siblings
Ilia Topuria was born to Zaza Topuria and Inga Topuria. His parents were Georgian refugees from Abkhazia. His father‘s name is Zaza Topuria. His mother‘s name is Inga Topuria. His parents raised him in a disciplined household.
Topuria has 3 siblings. He has a brother named Aleksandre Topuria. He has 2 sisters named Mari Tlashadze and Ana Tlashadze. His brother Aleksandre is also an MMA fighter. His siblings are important to him.
Topuria values his family time. He keeps his family out of the spotlight. His siblings support his career. His family is his motivation. His family is central to his life.
Topuria focuses on his career and his family. He does not share many details about his personal life. His family is important to him. He keeps his personal life separate from his public life. His family is his priority.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Zaza Topuria | Father |
| Inga Topuria | Mother |
| Aleksandre Topuria | Brother (MMA Fighter) |
| Mari Tlashadze | Sister |
| Ana Tlashadze | Sister |
Ilia Topuria Before Fame
Ilia Topuria had a successful amateur career before fame. He won his first 4 professional fights by submission. He won a belt in Mix Fight Events. He fought in Cage Warriors in 2018. He earned a spot in the UFC in 2020. His before fame story is inspiring.
Topuria debuted in the UFC in October 2020. He fought Youssef Zalal at UFC Fight Night. He won via unanimous decision. He earned a UFC contract. His before fame story is inspiring.
Topuria worked hard for his success. He overcame setbacks in his early career. He built a successful UFC career. His journey is motivational. He is a true fighter.
Topuria earned a $38,500 purse for his first UFC fight. He earned $50,000 for his second fight. He worked his way up the rankings. His before fame story is inspiring.
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Pro Debut | 2015 |
| Cage Warriors | 2018 |
| UFC Debut | October 2020 |
| Early UFC Purse | $38,500 |
Ilia Topuria Career
Ilia Topuria began his UFC career in 2020. He won his first 9 fights in the UFC. He defeated Bryce Mitchell and Josh Emmett. He earned a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski. He became a top contender.
Topuria won the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 298 in February 2024. He defeated Alexander Volkanovski via KO in round 2. He became the first Georgian and Spanish UFC champion. He defended his title against Max Holloway at UFC 308. He won via KO in round 3.
Topuria vacated the featherweight title in April 2025. He moved up to lightweight. He won the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 317 in June 2025. He defeated Charles Oliveira via KO in round 1. He became a two-division champion.
Topuria lost his undefeated record and the lightweight title to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 in June 2026. He lost via TKO in round 4. He suffered his first professional loss. He holds a record of 17-1-0. He is ranked #1 in the UFC lightweight rankings. He remains a top contender in the division.
| Year | Career / Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2020 | UFC Debut |
| 2024 | Won UFC Featherweight Championship |
| 2024 | Defended vs. Max Holloway |
| 2025 | Won UFC Lightweight Championship |
| 2026 | Lost Title to Justin Gaethje |
Ilia Topuria Family
Ilia Topuria is a private person. He is separated from Giorgina Uzcategui. They have 2 children together. His family lives in Spain. His family is small and close.
Topuria‘s ex-wife, Giorgina Uzcategui, is a Venezuelan businesswoman. She founded the company “Future & Energy.” She keeps a low profile. She rarely appears in public. Their relationship ended in August 2025. Their divorce is ongoing.
Topuria and Giorgina have 2 children together. They have a son named Hugo. Hugo was born in 2019. They have a daughter born in 2024. Her name has remained private. He frequently expresses his love for his children on social media. His children are his pride and joy.
Topuria values his family time. He keeps his family out of the spotlight. His children are his motivation. His family is central to his life. He focuses on his career and his children.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Giorgina Uzcategui | Ex-Wife (Separated) |
| Hugo Topuria | Son (born 2019) |
| Daughter | Not publicly named (born 2024) |
Ilia Topuria Wife, Girlfriend, or Partner
Ilia Topuria is separated from his wife, Giorgina Uzcategui. They separated in August 2025. Their divorce is ongoing. They have 2 children together. Their relationship is private.
Topuria‘s ex-wife, Giorgina Uzcategui, is a Venezuelan businesswoman. She founded the company “Future & Energy.” She filed a domestic abuse complaint against him. The charges were dropped after a financial settlement. Their relationship ended in 2025.
Topuria and Giorgina have 2 children together. They have a son named Hugo. Hugo was born in 2019. They have a daughter born in 2024. Her name has remained private. He frequently expresses his love for his children on social media. His children are his pride and joy.
Topuria values his privacy. He does not share many details about his divorce. He focuses on his children. His family is his priority. He plans to continue his career.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Separated |
| Ex-Wife | Giorgina Uzcategui |
| Separation Year | 2025 |
| Children | 2 (Hugo, daughter) |
Ilia Topuria Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Ilia Topuria is 29 years old in 2026. He was born on January 21, 1997. He stands 5 feet 7 inches tall. He weighs approximately 155 pounds. He has a muscular and athletic build.
Topuria has dark eyes and dark hair. His reach is 69 inches. He has an orthodox stance. He has a clean-shaven face. He has a fair skin tone.
Topuria‘s physique is impressive. He maintains his fitness with intense training. He follows a strict diet and workout plan. His fitness is a key part of his success. He is a physical specimen.
Topuria trains at Topuria Team in Spain. He follows a disciplined regimen. His fitness is a key part of his brand. He is a physical specimen. He inspires others with his dedication.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | 155 pounds (70 kg) |
| Reach | 69 inches (175 cm) |
| Eye Color | Dark |
| Hair Color | Dark |
| Body Type | Muscular / Athletic |
| Stance | Orthodox |
Ilia Topuria Social Media Presence
Ilia Topuria is active on Instagram and YouTube. His Instagram handle is @iliatopuria. He shares training videos and fight promos. He posts photos with his family. His Instagram is his primary platform.
Topuria uses social media to connect with fans. He posts motivational content. He shares updates about his fights. He also shares unique content about his training. His social media is authentic.
Topuria‘s social media following is significant. He has over 4 million Instagram followers. He has over 533,000 YouTube subscribers. He uses his platform to promote his fights. He also shares insights into his training. His social media is impactful.
Topuria does not engage in online drama. He keeps his posts positive and motivational. He uses social media to promote his projects. His presence is professional. He values his online community.
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| @iliatopuria | |
| YouTube | Ilia Topuria |
Ilia Topuria Awards and Achievements
Ilia Topuria has many MMA achievements. He is a former UFC Featherweight Champion. He is a former UFC Lightweight Champion. He was the first Georgian and Spanish fighter to win a UFC title. He held a 17-0 record before his first loss.
Topuria earned multiple Performance of the Night bonuses. He has 7 wins by knockout. He has 8 wins by submission. He has 10 first-round finishes. His finish rate is 88.2%. His achievements are historic.
Topuria was named the 2024 UFC Fighter of the Year? Not publicly confirmed. He was ranked #1 in the UFC lightweight rankings. He was ranked #5 in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings. His achievements are impressive.
Topuria continues to inspire fans with his journey. He overcame a title loss. He returned to compete at a high level. He plans to continue his career. His achievements are impressive. He is a true warrior.
| Category | Year(s) | Award / Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| UFC Featherweight Championship | 2024–2025 | Champion |
| UFC Lightweight Championship | 2025–2026 | Champion |
| First Georgian & Spanish UFC Champion | 2024 | History Maker |
| UFC Performance Bonuses | Multiple | Winner |
Ilia Topuria Net Worth
Ilia Topuria has an estimated net worth of $4–$5 million in 2026. His wealth comes from UFC earnings, bonuses, and endorsements. His career earnings are estimated at over $8.5 million. His net worth is well-documented.
Topuria earns from UFC fights. His salary ranges from $38,500 to $4.5 million per fight. He earned $2.44 million for his fight against Max Holloway. He earned around $4–$4.5 million for his fight against Charles Oliveira. He also earns from performance bonuses. His most lucrative fight was against Charles Oliveira. His income is increasing.
Topuria supplements his income with sponsorships. He has partnerships with Oblack Caps. He also earns from appearances. His primary income is from fighting. He continues to compete for money. His wealth reflects his success.
Topuria lives in Alicante, Spain. He owns coastal apartments in Spain. He also owns a $3.5 million asset. His assets include investments and real estate. His net worth is estimated by Celebrity Net Worth. He is financially secure. His wealth reflects his success.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| UFC | Fight purses and bonuses |
| Endorsements | Oblack Caps |
| Appearances | Interviews and events |
| Real Estate | Alicante, Spain |
Ilia Topuria Nationality and Religion
Ilia Topuria is a Georgian and Spanish national. He was born in Halle, Germany. He moved to Georgia at age 7. He moved to Spain at age 15. He represents both Georgia and Spain. His nationality is Georgian-Spanish.
Topuria‘s religion is not widely publicized. He does not discuss his faith publicly. His religious beliefs are private. He focuses on his family and career. His religion is personal to him.
Topuria has Georgian roots. He is proud of his heritage. He carries the Georgian and Spanish flags to his fights. He honors his home country. His heritage is important to him.
Topuria speaks Georgian, Spanish, and English. He has a connection to his Georgian and Spanish roots. His nationality is Georgian-Spanish. His religion is private. His heritage is diverse.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Georgian, Spanish |
| Religion | Not publicly confirmed |
| Heritage | Georgian |
| Languages | Georgian, Spanish, English |
Ilia Topuria Public Image
Ilia Topuria has a positive public image. He is known as a resilient and exciting fighter. He is respected for his comeback story. He is popular among UFC fans. His public image is authentic.
Topuria is often praised for his striking power. He is known for his aggressive style. He is considered one of the most entertaining fighters in the division. He has a high finish rate. His public image is that of a warrior.
Topuria is open about his career struggles. He speaks publicly about his divorce. He uses his platform to inspire others. He is seen as a genuine person. His public image is positive and inspiring.
Topuria handles setbacks with grace. He rejected reports that he was done after his loss. He returned to compete. He is committed to his career. His public image is strong. He is a true professional.
| Phase | Public Image |
|---|---|
| 2020–2024 | Rising Contender |
| 2024–2025 | Dominant Champion |
| 2025–2026 | Resilient Veteran |
Ilia Topuria Legacy and Impact
Ilia Topuria has a lasting legacy in MMA. He is considered one of the greatest Georgian fighters of all time. He was the first Georgian and Spanish fighter to win a UFC title. He held a 17-0 record. His legacy is secure.
Topuria‘s impact goes beyond his record. He inspired Georgian and Spanish fighters to pursue MMA. He showed that striking can dominate MMA. He proved that hard work and dedication pay off. His impact is generational.
Topuria holds the record for one of the best UFC title wins. He defeated Alexander Volkanovski in 2024. He earned multiple post-fight bonuses. His legacy is defined by his resilience. He is a true champion.
Topuria continues to inspire fans with his journey. He overcame a title loss. He returned to compete. He plans to continue his career. His legacy is still being written. He is a true warrior.
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Georgian MMA | Pioneer |
| First UFC Champion | First Georgian & Spanish |
| Inspiration | Georgian and Spanish fighters |
| Resilience | Comeback story |
Ilia Topuria Future Plans and Goals
Ilia Topuria plans to continue his UFC career. He wants to regain the UFC Lightweight title. He is recovering from his loss to Justin Gaethje. He wants to leave a lasting legacy. His future is planned.
Topuria returned to training after his 2026 loss. He is focused on his next fight. He wants to climb the rankings. He wants to fight top contenders. He is focused on his career.
Topuria wants to fight for many more years. He is 29 years old and still competitive. He wants to leave a lasting legacy. He wants to inspire others. His goals are clear.
Topuria wants to inspire others with his journey. He wants to show that hard work pays off. He plans to continue his charity work. He wants to enjoy his life with his children. His future is exciting. He is at peace.
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| UFC Career | Continue fighting |
| Championship | Regain UFC Lightweight title |
| Legacy | Inspire others |
| Family | Enjoy life with children |
Ilia Topuria Championships and Achievements
| Championship | Times | Years |
|---|---|---|
| UFC Featherweight Championship | 1 | 2024–2025 |
| UFC Lightweight Championship | 1 | 2025–2026 |
| Mix Fight Events Championship | 1 | 2015 |
| IBJJF European Championship | 1 (Silver) | 2014 |
Ilia Topuria Matches List
- Ilia Topuria vs. Youssef Zalal – 2020 (UFC Debut)
- Ilia Topuria vs. Damon Jackson – 2020
- Ilia Topuria vs. Jai Herbert – 2022
- Ilia Topuria vs. Bryce Mitchell – 2022
- Ilia Topuria vs. Josh Emmett – 2023
- Ilia Topuria vs. Alexander Volkanovski – 2024 (Won UFC Title)
- Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway – 2024 (Title Defense)
- Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira – 2025 (Won UFC Title)
- Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje – 2026 (Lost Title)
Ilia Topuria Hobbies
- Training in MMA
- Playing football
- Watching movies
- Spending time with children
- Fishing
- Cooking
- Traveling
- Watching documentaries
- Playing basketball
- Reading
Ilia Topuria Favorite Things
- Favorite Food: Georgian cuisine
- Favorite Movie: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Fighter: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Color: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Music: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Sport: MMA
- Favorite Place: Alicante, Spain
- Favorite Quote: “I have always believed in myself”
- Favorite Team: Not publicly confirmed
Ilia Topuria Lesser-Known Facts
| Fact No. | Lesser-Known Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | He was born in Germany to Georgian parents. |
| 2 | His parents were refugees from Abkhazia. |
| 3 | He moved to Georgia at age 7. |
| 4 | He moved to Spain at age 15. |
| 5 | He began training BJJ at Climent Club. |
| 6 | He won a silver medal at the IBJJF European 2014. |
| 7 | He became the first Georgian black belt in BJJ. |
| 8 | His first UFC fight paid $38,500. |
| 9 | He earned $2.44 million for his fight against Max Holloway. |
| 10 | He earned around $4.5 million for his fight against Charles Oliveira. |
| 11 | He held a 17-0 record before his first loss. |
| 12 | He was the first Georgian and Spanish UFC champion. |
| 13 | He has a son named Hugo. |
| 14 | He has a daughter born in 2024. |
| 15 | He separated from his wife in August 2025. |
| 16 | He owns coastal apartments in Spain. |
| 17 | He speaks Georgian, Spanish, and English. |
| 18 | He plans to regain the UFC Lightweight title. |
FAQs
Q1: What is Ilia Topuria’s net worth in 2026?
Ilia Topuria‘s net worth is estimated at $4–$5 million in 2026. His income comes from UFC, bonuses, and endorsements. He earned over $8.5 million in his MMA career.
Q2: How old is Ilia Topuria in 2026?
Ilia Topuria is 29 years old in 2026. He was born on January 21, 1997. His birthday has already passed this year.
Q3: What is Ilia Topuria’s height and weight?
Ilia Topuria is 5 feet 7 inches tall. He weighs about 155 pounds. He has a muscular and athletic build.
Q4: Is Ilia Topuria married?
Ilia Topuria is separated from his wife, Giorgina Uzcategui. They separated in August 2025. They have 2 children together.
Q5: Did Ilia Topuria ever win a UFC title?
Yes, Ilia Topuria won the UFC Featherweight Championship in 2024. He won the UFC Lightweight Championship in 2025. He lost his lightweight title in 2026.
Q6: What is Ilia Topuria’s real name?
His real name is Ilia Topuria Bendeliani. He uses Ilia Topuria as his fighting name. He is known as “El Matador.”
Q7: Is Ilia Topuria still fighting?
Yes, Ilia Topuria is still fighting in 2026. He lost to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 in June 2026. He plans to continue his career.
Conclusion
Ilia Topuria is a Georgian-Spanish MMA legend. His real name is Ilia Topuria Bendeliani. In 2026, he is 29 years old. He was born on January 21, 1997, in Halle, Germany. He stands 5 feet 7 inches and weighs 155 pounds.
He started his MMA career in 2015. He won the UFC Featherweight Championship in 2024. He won the UFC Lightweight Championship in 2025. He trains at Topuria Team. His net worth is $4–$5 million in 2026. He is separated from Giorgina Uzcategui.
He holds a record of 17-1-0. He plans to regain the UFC Lightweight title. He continues to inspire fans with his resilience. His legacy is secure as a global icon.
This mirrors the inspirational and detailed structure of the previous profiles, highlighting Ilia Topuria‘s journey from Halle, Germany to UFC two-division glory.
