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Aleksandre Topuria, the brother of UFC featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria is set to make his UFC debut at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia. After his original opponent, Cody Haddon had to withdraw from the bout with an injury, Topuria will now clash with Colby Thicknesse.
Aleksandre Topuria had a lot of hype coming into UFC 312, he’s carrying the hype of the Georgian revolution in the UFC and, of course, he’s got a lot of hype off the back of his brother’s UFC success. With that being said, there has to be questions asked about his form, record and potential heading into the bout… let’s take a look.
Aleksandre Topuria – Hype Train to Nowhere?
Entering the bout at 5-1, there are questions about Topuria’s pre-UFC record.
He debuted in 2015 against a 0-3 Colombian fighter, who, since losing to Topuria, hasn’t fought since. He won the fight via armbar in the first round. You can check out the entire fight on YouTube here:
Next, again in 2015, he took on 1-1 Spaniard, Alejandro Rumin. He showed a far superior ground game in this one, finishing the fight via rear naked choke in the first round again.
Riding high at 2-0 with two first-round stoppages, Aleksandre Topuria took on the debuting Ivo Ivanov. In this one, Topuria struggled to get the takedown, especially when he was fatigued towards the end of the fight. With that being said, he’s certainly still dangerous off his back, almost locking in an armbar. The stoppage was a confusing one, however, it came on the side of Ivanov. Rumours have swirled since the bout, however, that Topuria’s opponent was taking PEDs at the time and was also 20kg heavier than the Georgian.
Winning Run
Topuria’s record would suggest that he’s a man in form. Following a six-year hiatus from the sport, he returned in 2021 to clash with 7-18-1, Lucas Tenorio, predictably winning with ease in under two minutes.
Next came 1-9, Alberto Ibanez… Predictably, Topuria made quick work of Ibanez, finishing him in just 1:54. For context, Ibanez was on an eight-fight losing skid, getting finished seven times – Not exactly an ideal opposition for someone who had UFC ambitions.
Finally, albeit in May 2023, Topuria faced someone with a winning record. At 3-1, Johan Segas was Aleksandre Topuria’s toughest test to date. Taking on the Frenchman, Topuria was arguably manifesting his future, wearing UFC branded shorts for this fight. After receiving a low blow, Topuria shot for a big double leg, downing his opponent and dominating. He got the finish after moving to the crucifix position and raining down elbows on his opponent. Despite what tapology says, this one took a little over two minutes. You can see the whole fight here:
So… UFC 312 and Extra Storyline
Aleksandre Topuria will make his first UFC walk this Saturday against replacement fighter, Colby Thicknesse. It won’t be easy for Topuria, Thicknesse is the most experienced fighter to date that the Georgian-Spaniard will have faced.
Thicknesse is 7-0 and was the HEX Bantamweight Champion ahead of signing with the UFC. He was extremely active in 2024, making four appearances and has finished his last three fights in the first round.
The extra storyline heading into this one is that Thicknesse is the main training partner of one, Aleksander Volkanovski, the former foe of Aleksandre Topuria’s brother, Ilia Topuria. Both Volkanovski and the current featherweight champion will be cornering their respective training partners this weekend, something that adds a little bit extra to this one.
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Can Topuria hand Thicknesse his first professional loss? Or will Thicknesse expose Topuria’s lack of experience at a decent level? In Sydney for UFC 312, all questions will be answered.
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