Just weeks away from the biggest fight of his career, Ilia Topuria has made a seismic decision that could reshape his future in the octagon. The former featherweight champion, now eyeing lightweight glory, has split from his lifelong coaches — a move that has stunned the MMA community and added intrigue to his upcoming UFC 317 showdown with Charles Oliveira.
A shocking split at the height of success
Ilia Topuria’s meteoric rise in the UFC has been marked by precision, ferocity, and unwavering confidence. But ahead of his June 28 title clash with Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, “El Matador” has made a move few expected — parting ways with the coaching duo who guided him from raw prospect to world champion.
The Spanish-Georgian star has officially ended his long-standing relationship with Agustin and Jorge Climent, the coaches behind the Climent Club in Alicante, Spain. The Climents had trained Topuria since the beginning of his MMA journey, helping to mold him into one of the UFC’s most dangerous finishers. Their split, occurring deep into his training camp, has left fans and analysts questioning how this shake-up might affect his performance on fight night.
The news, first reported by MARCA, suggests that geographical separation and conflicting professional obligations led to the mutual parting. After capturing the featherweight belt last year and successfully defending it, Topuria moved his training base to Madrid — a move that seemingly widened the gap between him and the Alicante-based Climent brothers.
Chasing greatness in a new division
Topuria’s upcoming fight marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career. After conquering the featherweight division with thunderous knockouts over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, he made the bold decision to vacate his 145lb title and move up to lightweight. His transition was swiftly rewarded: with Islam Makhachev leaving the division to challenge at welterweight, the UFC offered Topuria a title shot against former champion Charles Oliveira.
The bout is set to headline UFC 317 in Las Vegas, promising fireworks between two elite strikers. Oliveira, one of the UFC’s most dangerous finishers, will be seeking redemption after a rocky patch, while Topuria is aiming to become a rare two-division champion — a feat that would cement his status among the sport’s elite.Despite the sudden coaching change, Topuria remains defiant and optimistic. His new team will include his brother, Aleksandre Topuria, as well as coaches Jesus Gallo, Javi Climent (no relation to Agustin and Jorge), Mani Tavanaei, and Mathias Ribeiro. Whether this revamped team can replicate the chemistry and success of his former corner remains one of UFC 317’s most intriguing subplots.
Makhachev vs. Topuria: Unfinished business
Though Makhachev’s decision to vacate the lightweight belt opened the door for Topuria’s title shot, the tension between the two fighters hasn’t cooled. Their rivalry, fueled by pointed social media exchanges, underscores a potential blockbuster future clash.
Makhachev, never one to mince words, took aim at Topuria’s move to lightweight. “You are nobody in the LW division, just a big mouth from Spain with a nice haircut,” the Dagestani star posted. “Go get one W, and we can talk, boy.” Topuria, never one to back down, hit 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.”
Though the Russian is now focused on welterweight challenges, the UFC — and fans — are surely eyeing a potential Makhachev-Topuria clash down the line. But for that to materialize, Topuria must first get through Oliveira — no small task against one of the UFC’s most experienced and versatile competitors.
Eyes on UFC 317: Legacy and pressure collide
As June 28 approaches, the spotlight on Topuria grows brighter. At 17-0, with a reputation for highlight-reel finishes and fearless trash talk, he stands at the cusp of greatness. But the stakes are immense. UFC 317 isn’t just a title fight — it’s a referendum on his move to a new weight class, his ability to thrive without his longtime coaches, and his claim to being one of the sport’s next global superstars.
Topuria’s mindset remains unshaken. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he declared: “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.”
Oliveira, however, is no stepping stone. With more finishes than anyone in UFC history and a relentless ground game, he presents Topuria with perhaps the toughest stylistic matchup of his career. Add the pressure of a coaching overhaul and the weight of championship expectations, and UFC 317 becomes not just a test of skill — but of adaptability and mental fortitude.
The road to greatness or the cost of ambition?
Ilia Topuria has never been shy about his ambitions. But ambition often demands sacrifice — and his split from the Climent brothers represents just that. It’s a bet that the future he envisions is worth the personal and professional shifts required to get there.
Will this be remembered as a masterstroke, the moment Topuria took full control of his destiny? Or will it mark the beginning of a more complicated chapter in his journey? The answers will start to emerge under the bright lights of Las Vegas on June 28.
For now, one thing is certain: Ilia Topuria is fighting for more than a belt — he’s fighting to prove he can lead, evolve, and conquer without the voices that guided him from day one.
