Full Send Podcast Episode 147 Summary: Ilia Topuria

Released on February 13, 2025, the Full Send Podcast hosted by Shots Podcast Network, sponsored by Happy Dad Hard Seltzer, features an in-depth conversation with UFC's rising star, Ilia Topuria. This episode delves into Ilia's personal journey, fighting mentality, aspirations within the UFC, and his perspectives on legacy and personal life.

1. Post-Fight Celebrations and Personal Preferences

Celebrating Victories: Ilia Topuria shares insights into how Camp Topuria celebrates significant victories, such as his knockout win over Max Holloway.

• Ilia Topuria (00:25): "We had a space with all our close friends with partners. So we celebrate with music. We bring a DJ from Spain. ... just enjoying with the family."

Personal Enjoyments: He discusses his preference for enjoying life beyond athletics, mentioning his favorite drinks during celebrations.

• Ilia Topuria (00:45): "I love to drink wine. And in special moments like that, maybe I can drink some tequilas or beer."

2. The Power of Faith and Mentality

Source of Strength: Ilia attributes his fighting power and mentality to his faith in God, emphasizing the combination of hard work and divine support.

• Ilia Topuria (01:46): "From God. He gives me that power because of course I work hard. ... So the conclusion is that the power comes from God."

Mental Framework: He elaborates on his values, grounded in biblical teachings, and the importance of believing in oneself to overcome fear and have faith in the unseen.

• Ilia Topuria (02:14): "I base my values on what God is teaching us in the Bible. ... I always choose to believe in things that make me feel happy."

3. Early Life and Introduction to MMA

Childhood Challenges: Born in Germany, Ilia recounts his family's move back to Georgia and the subsequent hardships during the 2008 war, which profoundly shaped his resilience.

• Ilia Topuria (03:21): "So I was born in Germany. ... It creates the man I am today."

Transition to Spain and MMA: At 15, Ilia and his brother moved to Spain, where their mother played a pivotal role in introducing them to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, leading to their enduring commitment to MMA.

• Ilia Topuria (06:35): "My mom saw a man with a cauliflower ear and connected us to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. ... Since the day we stepped in, we didn't come out until now."

4. Building the Camp Topuria Legacy

Inspiring the Spanish Community: Ilia expresses his desire to cultivate a strong MMA culture in Spain, leveraging the country's inherent fiery spirit to develop future talents.

• Ilia Topuria (08:41): "I want them to be more familiar with the sport because we have great talents also there. ... I want to be a great example for that."

Collaboration with Real Madrid: He highlights the significant support from Real Madrid, envisioning historic fights at the Bernabeu Stadium that would cement his legacy.

• Ilia Topuria (09:40): "It's something amazing to get that kind of support from a team like Real Madrid. ... It feels amazing."

• Ilia Topuria (10:12): "It will be something that it's going to stay in my memories for life."

5. Relationships with Fellow Athletes

Friendship with Sergio Ramos: Ilia talks about his friendship with soccer legend Sergio Ramos, admiring Ramos's fighting spirit and the motivation derived from their interactions.

• Ilia Topuria (10:45): "He was my idol since I was a kid. ... Spending time with him gives you a lot of motivation."

Impact of Role Models: He reflects on how mentors like Ramos validate his path in the UFC, reinforcing his dedication and growth.

• Ilia Topuria (11:25): "Whatever he does, even if you do the same things, you can verify that you are doing the same thing as someone who is so big."

6. UFC Aspirations and Career Goals

Staying Undefeated: Ilia outlines his primary objective in the UFC: maintaining an undefeated record while entertaining fans with his knockout power.

• Ilia Topuria (13:35): "My goals in the UFC is to stay undefeated, to keep knocking people out. ... I want to go to the lightweight division."

Transition to Lightweight: He expresses ambition to move up to the lightweight division, aiming to become a two-division champion.

• Ilia Topuria (14:44): "Because I really believe that I can be the current champion."

7. Views on UFC's Landscape and Fellow Fighters

Perspective on Conor McGregor: Ilia discusses McGregor's influence on MMA, acknowledging his contributions while criticizing his recent conduct.

• Ilia Topuria (19:39): "He did a lot for the sport, but at some point, he betrayed all the values ... he started to be disrespectful."

Desire for Respectful Rivalries: He contrasts his approach with fighters like McGregor, emphasizing respect and authenticity over hype-driven personas.

• Ilia Topuria (23:17): "Boom. Because we are on different levels, and everyone can see that."

8. Legacy and Influence Outside the Cage

Inspiring Future Generations: Ilia aspires to be more than just a fighter, aiming to inspire people in various aspects of life and serve as a role model.

• Ilia Topuria (13:35): "I want to motivate and inspire people."

Business Ventures: While focusing primarily on his fighting career, Ilia hints at future business endeavors aimed at building an empire grounded in meaningful ventures rather than mere financial gain.

• Ilia Topuria (37:09): "I want to build an empire, you know, I want to build a monster."

9. Personal Life and Family Values

Importance of Family: Family remains a cornerstone for Ilia, valuing the support and relationships that sustain him both personally and professionally.

• Ilia Topuria (33:28): "So my family means everything to me."

Training His Son: He shares touching moments of training with his young son, fostering a love for martial arts from an early age.

• Ilia Topuria (34:03): "He was always asking me, dad, please train me, dad, please."

10. Future Fights and UFC Dynamics

Potential Fights: Ilia discusses anticipated matchups, including rematches with Islam Makhachev and the possibility of facing Jon Jones, showcasing his strategic thinking and respect for top-tier opponents.

• Ilia Topuria (27:01): "I like Aspinall also. He's a great fighter, and he represents also a new generation."

UFC Relationships: As his star rises, Ilia describes a more collaborative relationship with the UFC leadership, highlighting mutual respect and understanding of the business.

• Ilia Topuria (22:23): "I have a different relationship now. ... Dana and Hunter understand about the business."

Notable Quotes

• Ilia Topuria (01:22): "I wasn't surprised, to be honest, because I always knew my time would come."

• Ilia Topuria (22:10): "God, times are the perfect times."

• Ilia Topuria (21:32): "I want to be more than Conor McGregor."

Conclusion

Ilia Topuria emerges in this episode as not only a formidable fighter in the UFC but also a deeply principled individual driven by faith, family, and a desire to inspire. His strategic vision for his career, commitment to personal growth, and respect for fellow athletes position him as a promising superstar poised to leave a lasting legacy both inside and outside the octagon.

This summary captures the essence of Ilia Topuria's conversation on the Full Send Podcast, highlighting his journey, values, and aspirations. For those unfamiliar with the episode, it offers a comprehensive overview of Ilia's mindset and future plans in the world of mixed martial arts.