Topuria Brother Sets Sights on UFC top 15 Following Qatar Victory
Doha, Qatar – Following Aleksandre Topuria’s victory over Bekzat Almakhan in Qatar on november 22, 2025, his brother and fellow UFC fighter Ilia Topuria expressed immense pride and outlined aspiring goals for the rising bantamweight contender. Ilia stated, “I am very happy and very proud of my brother, of the work he has done. We have seen him very calm and mature,wiht a lot of knowing how to be inside the octagon.”
Aleksandre, now 2-0 in the UFC, showcased a “very smart and technical way” to defeat Almakhan, according to reports. Ilia highlighted his brother’s composure and strategic approach, noting Aleksandre “started on his covered shield, with his guard up, moving his head, finding the ‘timing’…Aleks did not have to take any risks in this fight, and that is what he did, a very high level fight.”
Ilia also praised Aleksandre’s well-rounded skillset, encompassing ground game, hand-to-hand combat, and striking. He pointed to a specific moment in the fight where Aleksandre chose not to capitalize on a takedown, allowing Almakhan to stand.”Aleks has not forced anything…that’s what I like about his style,which always gives the spectacle that everyone expects,” Ilia explained.
Looking ahead, Ilia confirmed Aleksandre’s focus is on climbing the UFC rankings. “Aleksandre is aiming for the top, he will follow what the UFC tells us, but obviously it has to be someone who helps his advancement…my brother will look, without being in a hurry, for opponents who are ahead of him to continue climbing the rankings. I think there could be a top 15,” he said.
