UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria recently addressed the possibility of his son Hugo embarking on a fighting career, making it clear that he would support his son’s ambitions as long as effort is involved. This candid reflection on his role as a father and athlete highlights the conflicted yet encouraging approach Topuria takes when it comes to parenting and the world of professional fighting.
Topuria Speaks on Supporting His Son’s Career Choices
In a recent conversation with TMZ Sports, Ilia Topuria discussed the future possibilities for his young son, Hugo, specifically regarding a potential entry into the fighting world. Topuria, whose nickname is ‘El Matador’, emphasized his readiness to stand by Hugo, no matter the career path he chooses. He firmly stated his only non-negotiable condition is the importance of hard work and dedication.
“If he wants so, of course. I want him to be happy. Whatever he decides, I will be with him. I only thing I don’t negotiate with him is that he has to put effort into anything he does in his life. And whatever he decides, I’m okay with that.”
—Ilia Topuria, UFC Lightweight Champion
Topuria is married to Giorgina Uzcategui Badell, a businesswoman, and together they have two children. Hugo, their firstborn, arrived in 2019, followed by their daughter, Giorgina, in 2024. This family setting provides a backdrop for Topuria’s perspective on parenting and career support.
Hugo’s Interest in Fighting Shown Early
The topic of Ilia Topuria’s son fighting career came into focus during the buildup to UFC 317, where young Hugo was observed practicing striking moves on the training pads. At only five years old, Hugo has drawn attention for mimicking his father’s techniques, raising questions about whether he might follow in his footsteps.
Topuria disclosed that Hugo frequently expresses the desire to learn and improve his fight skills, revealing an enthusiastic attitude towards training.
“He asks me all the time that he wants to fight. He’s like, ‘Dad, train me train me train me.’… [After UFC 317] He was like, ‘Why are you connecting with the right hand? You had to do the uppercut.”
[10:20]” —Ilia Topuria, UFC Lightweight Champion
Achievements and the Road Ahead
Recently, Topuria made headlines by winning the vacant lightweight championship at UFC 317 after defeating Charles Oliveira. This victory established him as the first undefeated champion in two UFC divisions, propelling him to the top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings and putting him ahead of Islam Makhachev.
With Topuria openly embracing whatever dreams his son, Hugo, may have, the story exemplifies a complex intersection of family loyalty, ambition, and legacy within the sport of mixed martial arts. Whether Hugo chooses to step into the cage or take another path entirely, his father’s unwavering support ensures that determination and happiness come first.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ilia Topuria Turkish?
A. Ilia Topuria, born on January 21, 1997, is a professional mixed martial arts fighter from Georgia and Spain. He fights in the Lightweight class for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). At the moment, he holds the title of UFC Lightweight Champion.