Which modern MMA fighter represents the new meta in mixed martial arts? We’re asking about one who has phenomenal striking, wrestling, and grappling skills, coupled with a mindset forged in iron. Well, if you guessed featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, you’ve hit the mark. Undefeated? Check. World champion? Check. Legends in his resume? Check. And it looks like he’s here to stay. But there’s more to the Topuria legacy than meets the eye. Joining ‘El Matador’ in the UFC is his brother Aleksandre Topuria who’ll be making his debut in the organization this Saturday.

At UFC 312, the title fights may be the main attraction, but they won’t be the only story of the night. The featherweight champion’s older brother who goes by the moniker ‘El Conquistador’ will make his presence known at the event. Ilia and Aleksandre Topuria were both born in Germany before moving to Georgia when ‘El Matador’ was just seven years old. Though only a year apart, the Topuria brothers are bonded by more than just family—they share an unbreakable warrior’s spirit, one that drives them both to greatness.

However, according to their coach Lukas Orzel, Alexandre might just become the champion quicker than his brother. Red Corner MMA took to their Instagram account to share what exactly his coach said. He said, “If it took Ilia 4 years to become a champion, Aleksandre can do it even quicker. I give it 2-3 years.” Aleksandre isn’t entering the UFC as just another prospect—he’s coming in as a bona fide finisher. With a 5-1 professional record, ‘El Conquistador has made it clear: he’s never relied on the judges to determine his fate. However, competing at the highest level in the UFC isn’t an easy task, especially in a division as deep as bantamweight.

Not only does the bantamweight division have high-level grapplers but also world-class strikers. Will the 29-year-old be able to do what Ilia Topuria managed to do at featherweight? Well, the fans have a mixed opinion on it. While some feel he can, others are a bit skeptical. Let us take a look at what the fandom had to say about the whole.

Fans feel Aleksandre Topuria’s journey in the UFC might not be easy

‘El Conquistador’ has racked up two submission victories and three devastating KO/TKO finishes, each knockout being a swift and ruthless execution. His opponents barely had time to react before they were flat on their backs, staring up at the lights. The numbers also do tell a story—1:27, 1:54, and 1:48. That’s all it took for him to end three fights brutally. However, he might not find it as easy in the UFC according to the fans.

One user reminded the newcomer that the division he will be competing in is a bit different from his brother’s, “Bantamweight it’s not featherweight”  The Topuria brothers and Merab Dvalishilvi share a cordial relationship as all three are from Georgia. However, if he wants to win the title he might have to fight ‘The Machine’ eventually which might come in the way of their camaraderie, “Wow I wonder how Merab feels about all of this” 

However, the only way to avoid such a situation was pointed out by one of the fans. According to them, Aleksandre Topuria should have chosen a different division and commented, “He should have competed at 145 to take the title when Ilia goes to 155 so trying to have 3 Georgians in 3 different weight classes him Ilia and Merab”  Dvalishvili is currently the best bantamweight in the UFC and if he ever takes on Aleksandre it will be easy work for him, according to one of the users, “He’ll be a victim to Merab” 

One of the users doesn’t quite agree with the claims made by his coach. According to him, there are world-class fighters present in the division, “No way. Literally no way. Imagine what a guy like vinicius Oliveira would do to him”  Aleksandre Topuria will be taking on Colby Thicknesse at UFC 312 who is also unbeaten in his MMA Career. As a result, one of the users seems to be a fan of his and commented, “Colby gonna kill this dude”  Another fan chimed in with the same thought process and pointed out how the fight would end in favor of Thicknesse, “Yeah Colby via death punch” 

Overall, the comments expressed mixed opinions, with some praising Topuria’s potential while others believed many fighters could be his foil in the division. The comments highlight the high expectations, fierce competition, and doubts about his ability to rise to the top. What do you think about Ilia Topuria’s brother Aleksandre? Will he find success like ‘El Matador’? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.