Aleksandre Topuria, also known as “El Cazador,” is making his own way in the world, but it’s impossible not to notice his famous last name as the brother of UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. Born on January 28, 1996, in Georgia, Aleksandre has quickly risen through the ranks with his impressive fighting skills and tenacity. He currently holds a professional MMA record of 5-1-0, with three wins by TKO and two by submission.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Topuria began his professional MMA career in 2015, but took a break before returning to the ring in December 2021. Since then, he has been on a tear, finishing all of his opponents inside the distance. His aggressive fighting style and ability to end fights early have earned him a reputation as a formidable opponent.
UFC Debut and New Opponent
Topuria is set to make his UFC debut at UFC 312 on February 8, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. His opponent will be Colby Thicknesse, a replacement for Cody Haddon, who withdrew from the bantamweight pairing due to injury. The Las Vegas-based promotion confirmed the change via social media on Wednesday.
This booking contains added intrigue since Topuria is the older brother of current UFC 145-pound king Ilia Topuria, who knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to claim the featherweight throne at UFC 298. Ilia Topuria and Volkanovski are rumored to be scheduled for a rematch at UFC 314 in April.
Thicknesse’s Background and Preparation
Colby Thicknesse, 25, has kicked off his professional tenure with seven consecutive triumphs on the regional circuit. He’s finished his last three opponents inside of a round. Aleksandre Topuria praised Thicknesse as one of his main training partners for most of his career and their friendship dates back to when the UFC newcomer was still just a teenager.
Aleksandre Topuria expressed his excitement for Thicknesse’s opportunity, saying, “How good is this? I’m very excited for Colby. There’s not a more deserving person than Colby Thicknesse. He’s probably the hardest worker I know on the planet. He’s got heart. He’s got the discipline. No one’s more committed than this guy. He’s been my main training partner pretty much my whole career.” Volkanovski confirmed that he will be in Thicknesse’s corner at UFC 312.
Preparations and Expectations
Topuria enters the UFC with a 5-1 record, including three victories in a row, all by knockout. This new fight between Topuria and Thicknesse remains on the UFC 312 prelims, with the event scheduled to take place on February 8, 2025, in Sydney, Australia.
The main event that night sees middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis take on Sean Strickland in a rematch, while Zhang Weili puts her strawweight title on the line against Tatiana Suarez in the co-main event.
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