Ilia Topuria describes emotions before first professional MMA fight
UFC champion Ilia Topuria said he nearly stayed backstage before his 2015 debut. The Spaniard described feeling alone and unprepared moments before walking out.
yardbarker.comIlia Topuria said he was so scared before his first professional MMA fight that he nearly stayed backstage. The fighter made the comments during a recent appearance on the podcast DeepCut with Vic Blends. Topuria recalled thinking he had not studied enough and wondering why he was there.
He added that he felt motivated at the same time. The bout took place in 2015. Topuria submitted Francisco Javier Asprilla with a triangle choke after three and a half minutes.
Current standing Topuria remains undefeated at 17-0.
Nine of those wins have come inside the UFC, where he holds titles at two weight classes. He is scheduled to face Justin Gaethje on June 14 in a title-unification bout at the White House.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- 2015
Topuria submitted Francisco Javier Asprilla in his pro debut.
1 sourceyardbarker.com - June 2025
Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira to win a second UFC title.
1 sourceyardbarker.com - May 28, 2026
Topuria described his pre-fight nerves on DeepCut with Vic Blends.
1 sourceyardbarker.com - June 14, 2026
Topuria is scheduled to face Justin Gaethje at the White House.
1 sourceyardbarker.com
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