Ilia Topuria has quickly established himself as one of the UFC‘s top stars, and recently, a fan paid a record amount for a collectible linked to his early career. On June 28, the UFC’s 2025 International Fight Week culminated in the highly anticipated UFC 317 event, featuring a vacant lightweight championship bout between Topuria and Charles Oliveira.
Topuria delivered a swift and decisive first-round knockout, securing the lightweight title and marking his third consecutive KO victory against UFC legends. With this achievement, also known by his nickname ‘El Matador,’ he joined an elite group of fighters who have claimed UFC championships in two separate weight divisions, including Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes.
Record-Breaking UFC Trading Card Sale Elevates Topuria’s Legacy
Last year, the UFC partnered with Topps to create an exclusive multi-year trading card series, exciting collectible fans across the sport. One unique feature introduced was the ‘Rookie’ patch that debuting fighters wear during walkouts, which is then removed and added to a rare trading card immediately after the event.
UFC trading cards have previously fetched high prices, notably a Topps Chrome Conor McGregor card that sold for $73,800 in 2021, setting the record at that time. That record was surpassed by an autographed rookie card from Khabib Nurmagomedov’s debut UFC year, which sold for $80,000.
Most recently, a 1/1 Topps card from Ilia Topuria’s rookie year—2020, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 UFC era—was sold in a private Goldin auction for an unprecedented $101,000. This sale established the most expensive UFC trading card ever recorded, further cementing Topuria’s growing prominence within the sport and among collectors.
Future Prospects: What Lies Ahead for Ilia Topuria?
Now the reigning lightweight champion, Topuria faces several potential paths in his career. Fans have expressed interest in a high-profile matchup against Islam Makhachev, viewing it as a highly anticipated clash in the division. After his title win, Topuria engaged in a confrontation with Paddy Pimblett, an incident that Dana White criticized as inappropriate, stating that it was “not the fight.”
Regardless of what fights come next, Topuria’s continual rise seems assured, as he solidifies his position as one of the UFC’s most prominent athletes.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ilia Topuria Turkish?
A. Ilia Topuria, born on January 21, 1997, is a fighter with roots in Georgia and Spain. He is a professional mixed martial artist. Topuria competes in the Lightweight category of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He holds the title of UFC Lightweight Champion.