Ilia Topuria continues to capture attention not only as a reigning UFC featherweight champion but also by making waves in entertainment, recently starring in a captivating movie advert alongside his son. This new spotlight has sparked discussions across UFC circles and drawn comparisons to Conor McGregor’s rise, with many analysts highlighting Topuria’s growing prominence both inside and outside the octagon.

Topuria’s rise in UFC has been remarkable; after his stunning first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, he claimed the vacant featherweight title and quickly moved into the 155-pound division. He remains a central figure in talks about future title defenses and superfights, with many anticipating his next major challenge. Recently, Topuria expanded his public profile through a vibrant promotional spot for the upcoming martial arts movie “Karate Kid: Legends,” where he trains his son in the spirit of the iconic Mr. Miyagi character.

Ilia Topuria’s Transition from UFC Champion to Movie Star

Following his impressive victory to secure UFC gold, Ilia Topuria has been active in broadening his appeal. He previously participated in a promotional campaign for the Marvel television series “Daredevil: Born Again,” showcasing an ability to cross entertainment genres. The latest advert for “Karate Kid: Legends,” a sequel bridging the original Karate Kid storyline with the contemporary “Cobra Kai” series, features Topuria in a mentoring role, evoking the famous wax-on, wax-off training method beloved by fans.

In this advert, Topuria is seen training his son, Hugo, in martial arts under the guidance of Ben Wang’s character, who makes a symbolic cameo presenting them with the ‘Miyagi Do’ Karate headband. The promotional piece reflects Topuria’s disciplined yet understated approach to the craft, which has resonated strongly with fans and gone viral online. As a figurehead for martial arts, his presence blurs the lines between competitive fighting and cinematic storytelling.

The Expanding Reach of Ilia Topuria Within UFC and Beyond

UFC executives and analysts have noted Topuria as one of the promotion’s brightest stars, endorsing him as a key figure for upcoming major events, including UFC’s planned debut in Spain. UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Marc Ratner, praised Topuria as the foremost Spanish MMA talent poised to headline events at large venues such as the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, which seats over 80,000 spectators.

His climb is supported by remarkable milestones such as headlining the 2025 IFW Festivities and outperforming high-profile UFC stars in the pound-for-pound rankings. Topuria’s rising celebrity has also been acknowledged outside of MMA; he has been included in Forbes España’s ‘30 Under 30’ list, where he edges near the notoriety of Conor McGregor. Additionally, a limited $101,000 ‘Topps’ collectible set themed around Topuria has been launched, highlighting his marketability.

The Ongoing Debate: Topuria and McGregor Comparisons Ignite Tensions

Comparisons between Ilia Topuria and Conor McGregor have intensified, fueled by similarities in their striking techniques, swagger, and fiery personality traits. Both fighters share European roots, distinctive tattoos, and a penchant for dominating media narratives. Topuria’s leap into the 155-pound division and his forthcoming superfight against Islam Makhachev mark him as a successor figure in UFC’s upper echelons.

However, this connection faces resistance, particularly from McGregor’s camp. In a recent media exchange, former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has a longstanding rivalry with McGregor, downplayed Topuria’s role by portraying him as a ‘good guy’ in contrast to McGregor’s contentious persona. McGregor responded dismissively with a sharp rebuke in a brief tweet, underscoring the persistent animosity between the two camps.

Fighting’s biggest bi*ch yapping out of his fat hole againCough cough.
—Conor McGregor

This tension reflects ongoing rivalries rooted in UFC’s history, especially between McGregor and Nurmagomedov following their explosive UFC 229 showdown seven years ago. Despite the passage of time, the friction remains vivid, with McGregor even criticizing other fighters, such as Paul Hughes, for aligning with Nurmagomedov’s faction. The latest discourse involving Topuria adds a new chapter to these layered rivalries within the sport.

What Lies Ahead for Ilia Topuria’s Career and Influence

Ilia Topuria’s dual impact in sports and entertainment signals a multifaceted future, with UFC 298 already hinting at prominent headlining opportunities. His role in high-profile events like UFC’s debut in Spain, combined with his growing media presence, positions him as a central figure likely to command larger audiences. His movie advert success further cements his crossover appeal, potentially attracting new fans to MMA through pop culture.

As the UFC landscape evolves, Topuria’s ability to maintain this momentum will be crucial, both as a potential multiple-division champion and as a cultural icon. Meanwhile, the brewing comparisons and conflicts with McGregor and Nurmagomedov continue to fuel fan discussions, keeping the spotlight on Topuria’s next moves inside the octagon and beyond.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is Ilia Topuria Turkish?

A. Ilia Topuria, born on January 21, 1997, is a professional fighter from Georgia and Spain. He fights in the Lightweight division of the UFC. He currently holds the title of UFC Lightweight Champion.