Ilia Topuria's brother Aleksandre announces timeline for UFC debut: "God's time is perfect"

UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria is one of the most frightening knockout artists in the game today. As it turns out, 'El Matador' has an older brother who might be just as dangerous, Aleksandre 'El Cazador' Topuria - and he's coming to the UFC.

Aleksandre Topuria, whose nickname translates to 'The Hunter', just dropped major details on his much-awaited UFC debut. The 5-1 bantamweight is ready to blast through the doors of the UFC next year, announcing in an Instagram post:

"Good afternoon to you all. I wanted to give you some news about my UFC debut, initially the debut was going to be at the end of this year, but due to decisions of the promoter I have been given the date at the beginning of 2025. God's time is perfect, I'm ready when the time comes."

The older Topuria made his pro debut back in 2015, winning two of his first three bouts in Spanish promotions like Mix Fight Events and Climent Show MMA. After a lengthy six-year break from the sport, Topuria made a blazing comeback in 2021 and compiled three straight wins. His most recent victory was a first-round ground-and-pound stoppage of Johan Segas in May 2023.

---

Ilia Topuria makes history by knocking out Max Holloway at UFC 308

At UFC 308 last October, Ilia Topuria made history by stopping the utterly unstoppable Max Holloway inside three rounds. Holloway, a former UFC featherweight champion and current BMF title holder, has never been hurt, KO'd, or even knocked down in 33 pro fights across nearly 15 years. His chin is considered to be the hardest the sport has ever seen and Topuria went out to test it.

The complexion of the fight saw Holloway constantly moving and throwing volume strikes while Ilia Topuria patiently waited for his kill shot - even mixing in a few grappling just to jar his challenger's game.

In the third round, 'El Matador' finally found his shot - the right hand heard around the world - that sent 'Blessed' reeling back. From there, it only took a few more strikes to knock Holloway down and finish him on the ground. Topuria made a successful first defense of his title and became the first man to stop Max Holloway via strikes.