As 2025 unfolds, the UFC is set to embrace a new wave of fighters, and one of the most anticipated names is Aleksandre Topuria, the older brother of UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. ‘El Cazador’, now eager to follow in his brother’s footsteps, made waves in December when he announced, “I have been given the date at the beginning of 2025. God’s time is perfect. I’m ready when the time comes.” It was later confirmed that he would make his debut at UFC 312 on February 8, 2025, against DWCS season 8 graduate Cody Haddon.

This announcement sent the MMA community into a frenzy, as fans began questioning Aleksandre Topuria’s skills and whether could he be as elite as his younger brother, or even better. Only those who have seen them spar, like their fellow Georgian and UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, may have the answer. Speaking in an interview with MMA coach Eric Nicksick on YouTube, ‘The Machine’ revealed, “You know Ilia has a brother, and he’s his main training partner.” When Nicksick confirmed ‘El Cazador’s’ UFC debut, the bantamweight champion added, “Yes, and he’s as good as Ilia. Then they kill each other. There has to be.”

Aleksandre, one year older than ‘El Matador’, has spent most of his career in regional circuits, earning a solid 5-1-0 record over the past decade. His only loss came in 2015 against Ivo Ivanov, a setback that he worked tirelessly to overcome over the next six years. Returning to the cage in 2021, ‘El Cazador’ has steadily progressed in his career, with his latest achievement being a knockout victory against Johan Segas in 2023.

While his UFC debut is still on the horizon, ‘El Cazador’s’ influence on the featherweight division has already been noteworthy. He significantly contributed to Ilia Topuria’s rise to the top and his title as the division’s king. Let’s hear directly from ‘El Matador’ about the crucial role his older brother has played in his success.

Ilia Topuria on his brother’s role in beating Alexander Volkanovski

Earlier this year, Ilia Topuria made history as the first Georgian-Spanish fighter to become UFC champion, delivering a stunning upset by dethroning long-time featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski in the second round. The fight ended with ‘Volk’ knocked out cold at 3:32. While the reason behind the rapid victory remains somewhat of a mystery, Ilia shed light on the critical advice from his older brother in an interview last October, which played a key role in his success.

Ilia explained that his brother had noticed that Volkanovski’s left arm was not staying in guard, creating an opening for a knockout strike. Reflecting on the moment in the UFC 308 countdown video, Ilia recalled his brother’s tactical advice, “His left arm is set quite low. He puts his left arm here. Once you start, cut his distance a bit if possible. Continue with your right arm, and return to your initial position. Don’t stay there… When he moves towards you, add more pressure, Ilia.”

Following his brother’s instructions, Ilia seized the opportunity and delivered a devastating four-punch combination that resulted in a knockout victory. “After the first round, when I went to the corner, my brother told me, ‘Work on the counter to his jab’… The second round, he started to slow down a little bit… He threw me a jab, I did a four-punch combination,” Ilia recalled. “Like one, two, three, four — boom … Game over, my friend,” Topuria revealed.

What’s your perspective on Aleksandre Topuria’s future? Do you believe he can carve out a successful path like his younger brother, Ilia, especially considering he’s the older sibling? ‘El Cazador’ is undoubtedly under a lot of pressure—he must prove himself in the Octagon while living up to the high expectations set by his champion brother. What’s your take on his journey ahead? Share your thoughts below.