Throughout the history of the UFC, there have been more than three dozen sets of siblings who have competed under the promotion’s banner. However, none of them have managed to both capture UFC gold. This could all change with the Topuria brothers, Ilia and Aleksandre, who are both making waves in the MMA world.
Ilia Topuria, the reigning UFC featherweight champion with an undefeated record of 15-0, is set to defend his title for the first time in the UFC 308 main event. His opponent will be Max Holloway, and the fight is scheduled to take place on October 26 in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, Ilia’s older brother, Aleksandre, has recently signed with the UFC and is looking to make a name for himself in the bantamweight division.
Ilia has shown unwavering support for his brother, claiming that Aleksandre has what it takes to become a UFC world champion. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Ilia expressed his belief in his brother’s skills and potential, stating that Aleksandre may even be better than him. Ilia described Aleksandre as a very technical and talented fighter, predicting that fans will enjoy watching his fights. With both brothers determined to make their mark in the UFC, it is clear that they have their sights set on achieving greatness.
Despite his confidence in Aleksandre’s abilities, Ilia acknowledged that there are still logistical challenges to be addressed. The brothers are currently exploring options for Aleksandre’s octagon debut, including considerations for the date, location, and opponent. While there was initial hope for Aleksandre to fight in Paris, logistical issues with the card have forced a reevaluation of his debut timeline. Additionally, concerns about putting two brothers on the same card have surfaced, posing potential obstacles for the Topuria brothers.
The Topuria brothers are poised to make an impact in the UFC and potentially rewrite the history books by becoming the first set of siblings to capture UFC gold. With Ilia as the reigning champion and Aleksandre making his debut, the MMA world is eagerly anticipating the rise of this dynamic duo. The challenges ahead may be daunting, but the Topuria brothers’ determination and skill set them apart as contenders for future UFC success.