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Ilia Topuria is already in Las Vegas: the countdown to the UFC lightweight title fight begins.

Ilia Topuria has already landed in Las Vegas. The undefeated Spanish-Georgian fighter, with an impeccable 16-0 record behind him, is already in Sin City with his entire team to finalise the last details ahead of the most important fight of his career. On 29 June, as part of UFC 317, he will face Charles Oliveira in a fight that could catapult him to the pinnacle of mixed martial arts: the lightweight belt is at stake.

For weeks, Topuria has been finalising his preparation in Madrid, between high-intensity training sessions at his private gym — equipped with the latest technology — and strategy sessions at the High Performance Centre (CAR). He made it clear on social media: ‘We're going to Las Vegas. 17-0.’ It's not just a wish, it's a statement of intent.

Seamless preparation

Topuria likes to have everything under control. That's why it's no coincidence that he flew to the United States in advance to adapt to the desert climate, jet lag, food and even the water. The fight against Oliveira demands 100% in every detail, and Ilia and his team are obsessive about that. They have proven it in every training camp, and this one was no exception.

The flight, via London, was the gateway to the final phase of the plan. There is no time for mistakes: the preparation includes adjusting his weight with pinpoint accuracy, avoiding any health setbacks and refining the strategy that could give him the most important victory of his career.

A step towards history

Although it will only be his second appearance in the lightweight division — the first was in 2022 against Jai Herbert, whom he knocked out — Topuria already has an opportunity that very few have had: to become champion in two different divisions. The lightweight belt became vacant after Islam Makhachev's departure, and now the path is open. And the “Matador” wants to take advantage of it.

Oliveira, with a 35-10 record, will not be an easy opponent. The Brazilian is one of the big names in the octagon, an expert on the ground with a finishing ability that has made him world famous. But if Topuria has proven anything so far, it is that he does not feel the pressure. On the contrary: the bigger the challenge, the more he grows.

Ilia's American dream

Ilia Topuria's story is that of a self-made fighter. Born in Germany, raised in Georgia and based in Spain, he has gone from promising prospect to star in record time. With an aggressive and versatile style, capable of knocking out with one hand or submitting on the ground, he has earned the respect of the international circuit and the affection of the Hispanic public. Now he wants more. He wants gold.

29 June could be the day that changes everything. A victory over Oliveira would not only make him the lightweight champion; it would place him among the select few who have won titles in two divisions, a club reserved for legends such as McGregor, Cormier and Nunes.

There are only a few weeks left, and the countdown has already begun. The lights of Las Vegas await him. Ilia Topuria has his sights set on the belt... and the MMA world is holding its breath.