Photos: Ilia Topuria recaps "great" 2024 with momentous snaps in and outside the cage

Ilia Topuria has shared some images to recall the amazing memories of 2024 as he wished his fans a happy new year.

Topuria had a great year, not just as a fighter but also as a father, as he welcomed his second child, a daughter, in 2024.

The Spaniard took to Instagram to wish his fans a happy new year and shared beautiful pictures from both inside and outside the octagon, including photos with his child and partner Giorgina Uzcategui Badell, along with action shots of him.

Topuria wrote:

“2024 has been a great year, but I'm sure 2025 will be even better for me and all of you. Happy New Year!.”

Check out the few snaps of Ilia Topuria’s latest Instagram post below:

Photo collage of Ilia Topuria's latest Instagram post. [Image courtesy: @iliatopuria on Instagram]

'El Matador' knocked out two of the greatest 145-pound fighters of all time in the same year. In early 2024, Topuria dethroned Alexander Volkanovski to become the featherweight king, securing a knockout in the second round at UFC 298.

In his first title defense, Topuria faced reigning BMF titleholder Max Holloway and did the unimaginable, knocking Holloway out in the third round at UFC 308. Known for his incredible chin, the Hawaiian had never been knocked out in his UFC career before that.

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Ilia Topuria's coach reveals his move to lightweight and rules out rematch with Alexander Volkanovski

Following UFC 308, Ilia Topuria promised a rematch to Alexander Volkanovski, asserting that he was the most deserving. However, Topuria recently revealed that he wants to move up to the lightweight division.

Topuria’s coach, Jorge Climent, in his recent appearance on Submission Radio explained the reason behind Topuria’s probable move to the lightweight division and also dismissed the idea of a rematch with 'The Great'.

Climent said:

"The reality is, he hates that weight [cut]. He did it a lot of times. It's harder every time we do it. He touched the [underworld], he doesn't want to do it anymore. That's why he wants to go up to the next weight class.

"I don't think he is going to defend the featherweight title. I think he wants to go to lightweight... He wants to fight with ranked guys to go for the belt... If Alex fights at featherweight, I don't think [we will fight him again]." he added.

Check out Jorge Climent's comments below: