Ilia Topuria, a former featherweight champion, has made headlines with his recent decision to part ways with his long-time team as he prepares for his highly anticipated UFC 317 lightweight title bout against former champion Charles Oliveira. This clash is set to take place on June 28, and the decision to change teams has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
The split was confirmed earlier this week by Topuria's coach, Jorge Climent. Climent shared that Topuria has relocated to Madrid, where he plans to train independently. "It's real. He went to live in Madrid. I have my own project here with my brother, with our family. We have a lot of fighters and our own promotion. Ilia goes to Madrid. He has his own gym in his house. He wanted all the energy on him," Climent explained to Submission Radio.
Although this change is significant, Climent expressed his confidence in Topuria's abilities and potential for success in the upcoming fight against Oliveira. "We don’t work anymore together. He goes on his own," Climent stated. "This is not good for sentimental feelings but is the life we go with him on the journey and now he grows and wants to fly away. We are very proud to go all the way with him. We are very proud of everything he does." Climent emphasized that while he feels a sense of sadness over the split, he genuinely wishes Topuria the best in his future endeavors, especially as he focuses on his career.
Questions have emerged regarding whether this major transition will affect Topuria's performance during the UFC 317 event. Climent remains optimistic and dismissed any concerns about the impact of this coaching change. "I don't think so. His performance is going to be great. He's going to win," he affirmed. Climent added, "I know him. I know this sport, and I think he is very focused and he's going to do real well." With such confidence from his former coach, it’s clear that Topuria is still seen as a fierce competitor heading into this high-stakes matchup.
Climent also went further to predict the outcome of the fight, suggesting that Topuria will secure victory by knockout. This prediction could add further excitement for fans eager to see how Topuria performs under new training conditions. The matchup between Topuria and Oliveira is expected to be a defining moment in both fighters' careers, showcasing a clash of styles and determination.
The upcoming fight at UFC 317 could set the stage for Topuria to prove he's ready for the lightweight division while also solidifying Oliveira's place among the elites in the sport. As the date draws near, anticipation builds for this pivotal event, and fans are eager to see how the narrative unfolds for both fighters involved.
