Podcast Summary: PBD Podcast - "I'll Submit Him" – Ilia Topuria CALLS OUT Islam Makhachev, OPENS UP On Putin & Russia

Release Date: April 11, 2025
Host: Patrick Bet-David (PBD Podcast)
Guest: Ilia Topuria, UFC Lightweight Champion

1. Introduction to Ilia Topuria

Ilia Topuria, the undefeated UFC Lightweight Champion, joins Patrick Bet-David to discuss his career aspirations, personal life, and his perspectives on current geopolitical events. The conversation delves deep into his motivation to challenge Islam Makhachev, his training regimen, and his views on Russia and the Ukraine conflict.

2. Ambition to Fight Islam Makhachev

Topuria's Confidence and Readiness

Ilia Topuria expresses unwavering confidence in his ability to defeat Islam Makhachev, emphasizing his current peak performance.

• [07:04] Patrick Bet-David: "You're fight ready. You think he's fight ready to go up against you today?"
• [07:09] Ilia Topuria: "No, I don't think so."

He highlights the disparity in their recent training commitments, suggesting that Makhachev may not be as prepared as he is.

• [07:46] Ilia Topuria: "He's not in shape."

Desire for a Title Defense

Topuria aspires to defend his belt vigorously, stating his readiness to take on top contenders without the necessity of fighting number one contenders first.

• [16:57] Ilia Topuria: "There's no way that I have to fight the number one contender. I have to fight directly for the belt."

Potential Pay-Per-View Success

He anticipates that a fight against Makhachev would be one of the biggest pay-per-view events due to the personal and regional tensions involved.

• [14:51] Patrick Bet-David: "If there is a fight with you and Islam, that could be one of the biggest pay-per-views if that takes place."
• [73:23] Ilia Topuria: "I'm waiting, I'm waiting. I'm very excited."

3. Training and Career Development

Early Beginnings and Training Philosophy

Ilia shares his journey from wrestling in Georgia to transitioning into MMA in Spain, emphasizing self-driven training and skill development.

• [44:30] Ilia Topuria: "I discover MMA and fell in love since the first second."

Training Regimen and Mental Preparation

He discusses his meticulous training approach, focusing on both physical conditioning and strategic planning for upcoming fights.

• [18:42] Patrick Bet-David: "Are you, is your current training a regular training or is your current training, specific training targeted for your next fight?"
• [18:52] Ilia Topuria: "I have two names in my mind right now. We are preparing."

Mindset and Handling Pressure

Topuria elaborates on his mental strategies to maintain focus and control emotions during fights, advocating for a calculated and fearless approach.

• [20:12] Ilia Topuria: "I always prefer to think about thoughts that make me feel happy, that empower me."
• [24:14] Ilia Topuria: "This is the person you have to beat."

4. Personal Life and Family

Balancing Career and Family

Ilia discusses his relationship with his children, emphasizing the importance of planning and time management to balance his demanding career and family responsibilities.

• [05:22] Ilia Topuria: "My son doesn't live with me. My girl is eight months old, and we're planning everything."

Relationship with His Brother

He highlights the close bond with his brother, who serves as his mentor and primary coach, playing a pivotal role in his training and fight preparations.

• [47:22] Ilia Topuria: "At some point, he became my head coach. He helps me a lot."

5. Views on Politics: Russia and Ukraine Conflict

Critical Stance on Russian Politicians

Ilia shares his personal history with the 2008 conflict in Georgia, expressing distrust and disdain towards Russian politicians while differentiating them from the general Russian populace.

• [76:29] Ilia Topuria: "I'm against killing people always. I vote for peace. Russians, politicians, dangerous people."
• [78:43] Ilia Topuria: "You can judge a whole country because of one person."

Perspective on Ukraine

He acknowledges the complexity of the Ukraine situation but emphasizes his support for peace over conflict.

• [77:56] Ilia Topuria: "I always vote for peace."

6. Comparisons with Other Fighters

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Ilia Topuria

Topuria respects Khabib but maintains his confidence in being able to defeat him, highlighting both fighters' commitment and training philosophies.

• [56:51] Patrick Bet-David: "He's trained and coached by Khabib who never lost."
• [58:37] Ilia Topuria: "I can submit him closer to Khabib. I will submit him with his favorite submission."

Charles Oliveira and Other Contenders

He analyzes other fighters like Charles Oliveira, acknowledging their strengths while asserting his own superiority in various aspects.

• [74:04] Ilia Topuria: "Charles has a great ground game and striking. But when he feels he's more powerful, he gives up fast."
• [73:49] Ilia Topuria: "I like him. He has submissions, but he gives up like fast."

7. Business and Future Plans

Ambitions Beyond Fighting

Ilia expresses his desire to build a business empire alongside his fighting career, aiming to maximize his earnings and secure his future post-retirement.

• [09:55] Ilia Topuria: "It's not only fight-wise, it's also business-wise. I'm developing my skills and abilities."

Vision for the Future

He envisions himself as one of the highest-paid athletes, seeking high-profile fights that draw significant attention and financial rewards.

• [10:05] Ilia Topuria: "If someone can do it, I want to do it too. I want to be the first one to do it."

8. Handling Adversity and Setbacks

Resilience in the Ring

Topuria recounts experiences where he overcame tough opponents and unexpected challenges, such as stepping up on short notice to fight Jai Herbert.

• [67:20] Ilia Topuria: "I had to cut 12 kilos in eight days for that fight. It was crazy."

Use of Fear and Faith

He discusses his approach to fear, utilizing it as motivation rather than allowing it to hinder his performance.

• [20:54] Ilia Topuria: "Fear and faith demand you to believe that you never cease."

9. Social Media and Public Perception

Interactions with Other Athletes

Ilia addresses controversies, such as confrontations with Paddy Pimblett, asserting that professional respect should prevail over personal disputes.

• [38:18] Ilia Topuria: "He said some stupid things about my country. You can't joke with that."

Impact of Online Criticism

He emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus amidst online negativity, prioritizing his goals over detractors.

• [89:50] Ilia Topuria: "Sometimes you try to go to the top with people that don't want to see you at the top."

10. Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Patrick Bet-David concludes the episode by expressing admiration for Ilia's dedication and excitement for his future fights, particularly the highly anticipated match against Islam Makhachev.

• [108:52] Patrick Bet-David: "I can't wait to see the fight. And I can't wait to be there when you guys fight."

Ilia reaffirms his commitment to peace while maintaining his competitive spirit, leaving listeners eager for his upcoming endeavors inside and outside the octagon.

• [109:18] Ilia Topuria: "Let's live it. Peace for everyone."

Notable Quotes

• [01:05] Ilia Topuria: "No, I finished him in the first round."
• [05:22] Ilia Topuria: "My son doesn't live with me. My girl is eight months old, and we're planning everything."
• [20:12] Ilia Topuria: "I always prefer to think about thoughts that make me feel happy, that empower me."
• [56:51] Patrick Bet-David: "He's trained and coached by Khabib who never lost."
• [67:20] Ilia Topuria: "I had to cut 12 kilos in eight days for that fight. It was crazy."
• [108:52] Patrick Bet-David: "I can't wait to see the fight. And I can't wait to be there when you guys fight."

Conclusion

In this engaging episode of the PBD Podcast, Ilia Topuria provides an insightful look into the mindset of a top-tier UFC fighter. From his strategic ambition to challenge Islam Makhachev to his personal philosophies on training, family, and geopolitical issues, Topuria showcases a blend of confidence, resilience, and thoughtful consideration of the broader world. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of what drives Ilia both inside and outside the octagon, setting the stage for his forthcoming battles and future endeavors.