The Topuria name continues to grow in the UFC. While lightweight champion Ilia Topuria prepares for his next title defense, his older brother Aleksandre Topuria is reportedly lined up for his second appearance inside the Octagon. According to Irati Prat from Marca, Aleksandre is expected to face Bekzat Almakhan on November 22 at UFC Qatar in a bantamweight clash that carries significant implications for both fighters.
This development intertwines with Ilia’s timeline as champion. The reigning lightweight king had been linked to potential end-of-year defenses, including a return to Madison Square Garden. However, with UFC 322 announced and no mention of him on the card, speculation points toward his next defense taking place in early 2026 likely after Aleksandre makes his return.
Aleksandre Topuria’s Path Back to the Cage
Aleksandre Topuria, 29, made his UFC debut in February at UFC 312, where he secured a unanimous decision victory. It was a strong introduction to the promotion, showcasing the same composure and fundamentals that define the Topuria fighting style.
His road to the UFC was less direct than his younger brother’s. With only seven professional bouts on his record, Aleksandre spent stretches of recent years outside of active competition to help coach Ilia. This shared sacrifice has created a unique bond between the brothers, with Ilia now stepping back into a coaching role to support Aleksandre’s career push.
Bekzat Almakhan: A Dangerous Test
Aleksandre’s opponent, Bekzat Almakhan, is no easy matchup. The Kazakh bantamweight enters the fight with a reputation as a knockout artist, holding an 83% KO rate across his 12 professional wins.
Almakhan’s UFC journey has been a trial by fire. He debuted against Umar Nurmagomedov, a fighter many view as a future title contender, before bouncing back with a victory over Brad Katona. His aggressive style, striking power, and willingness to pressure opponents will test Aleksandre’s composure in a high-stakes setting.
Ilia Topuria Steps Into Coaching Mode
While Aleksandre Topuria prepares for Qatar, Ilia Topuria is stepping into a new role. The lightweight champion, fresh off his title victory, is expected to serve as his brother’s main coach leading into the November fight. This switch mirrors the brothers’ earlier arrangement, where Aleksandre stepped aside to help guide Ilia to UFC gold.
Spanish journalist Álvaro Colmenero recently reported that Ilia is unlikely to compete again in 2025, instead eyeing a return in early 2026. Georgian reporter Giorgi Kokiashvili reinforced that timeline, also ruling out a rumored clash with Justin Gaethje in December. The UFC’s new broadcast deal with Paramount begins in January, making it strategically logical for the promotion to hold Ilia until the new year for a marquee title defense.
UFC Qatar: A Growing Card
So far, UFC Qatar has announced only one additional bout: AbdulRakhman Yakhyaev vs Raffael Cerqueira. The event has yet to secure a main event, leaving room for Aleksandre’s return fight to be spotlighted as a featured attraction.
The choice of venue also reflects the UFC’s broader global strategy. Qatar represents a key market in the Middle East, and hosting rising international talents like Aleksandre Topuria and Bekzat Almakhan adds depth to the card while appealing to regional audiences.
What’s at Stake for Both Brothers
For Aleksandre, a victory in Qatar would be more than just his second UFC win, it would be a statement that he is ready to climb the bantamweight ladder against elite competition. For Ilia, coaching his brother through a pivotal fight adds another dimension to his championship journey, reinforcing the narrative of the Topurias as one of MMA’s most compelling fighting families.
If both brothers succeed in their respective roles Aleksandre as a competitor and Ilia as a mentor, the stage will be perfectly set for the lightweight champion’s high-profile return in early 2026 under the UFC’s landmark new deal.
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