Ilia Topuria makes SHOCK decision just weeks before Charles Oliveira title fight
The former featherweight champion will be looking to become a two-division title-holder next month, but has made a stunning change ahead of the clash with the Brazilian
Former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has parted ways with his lifelong coaches ahead of his eagerly anticipated clash against Charles Oliveira.
Earlier this year, Topuria surprised many by announcing his decision to vacate the featherweight title. The Spanish-Georgian fighter claimed the 145lb belt after a brutal knockout of Alexander Volkanovski last year and successfully defended it against Max Holloway in October.
Following the back-to-back finishes, Topuria has decided to move up to lightweight and has been immediately granted a title shot after Islam Makhachev opted to vacate the belt to move up to welterweight and face the newly-crowned champion, Jack Della Maddalena.
Topuria's high-profile clash with Oliveira is set to headline UFC 317 in Las Vegas on June 28. With just over a month until the two square off in the octagon, reports have emerged that Topuria has split from his coaches, Agustin and Jorge Climent.
This news comes as a real shock, given that the 28-year-old is deep into his training camp. The Climent brothers run the Climent Club in Alicante, Spain, where 'El Matador' and his brother Aleksandre Topuria have trained since the start of their MMA careers.
After winning the featherweight title last year, Topuria decided to relocate from Alicante to Madrid. The shift appears to have caused a divide in his training. "Both sides live in different cities, and their multiple professional projects prevent them from collaborating as they once did," according to a report from MARCA.
Topuria expressed gratitude towards his lifelong coaches, stating: "We thank them for all these years of mutual learning and growth, and they wholeheartedly wish them all the best in all their projects." The Spaniard-Georgian's team is now expected to consist of his brother, Aleksandre, Jesus Gallo, Javi Climent - who is not related to the Climent brothers - Mani Tavanaei and Mathias Ribeiro.
It seems as if Topuria and Makhachev hope to one day settle the score after the pair traded barbs online. Eager to take a swipe at the former featherweight star, Makhachev posted: "Difference between me and you, that I cleaned top list in my division, moved to next, but you ran away from two contenders who had consecutive 5-9 wins in FW division. You are nobody in LW division, just a big mouth from Spain with nice haircut. Go get one W, and we can talk boy." Unable to sit back and take the stick, Topuria fired back: "The difference between you and me is that I am a man and you are a coward. I speak and fight. you talk and hide. Run away far, leaving no trace."
After his bout with Oliveira was confirmed, Topuria quickly voiced his enthusiasm and pledged to emerge victorious as he aims to become a two-division champion. On X - previously known as Twitter - he posted: "On June 28, another dream will come true. I'll be the champion of the lightweight division. Charles, my apologies in advance... I'm just fighting for my dreams. It's unfortunate that Makhachev ran away. 17-0."
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