Aleksandre Topuria, the Spanish-Georgian bantamweight known as "The Conqueror," delivered a statement victory at UFC Qatar, overcoming Kazakhstan’s Bekzat Almakhan in a hard-fought unanimous decision that has the MMA world buzzing.
A Night of High Stakes and High Drama
The anticipation was palpable as Topuria and Almakhan both made weight without issue, clocking in at 135.5 and 136 pounds respectively, officially confirming their bout for the historic first UFC event in Qatar. The weigh-in itself was a testament to Topuria’s discipline, with his team—led by coaches Jesus Gallo and David Rojas—playing a crucial role in a grueling weight cut that left the fighter ready to rebound and rehydrate ahead of fight night.
The Fight: Early Adversity, Relentless Comeback
The opening round saw Almakhan take the initiative, using his speed and sharp leg kicks to drop Topuria and control the clinch exchanges. But Topuria, undeterred, began to shift momentum with a powerful hip toss late in the round, signaling that he was far from finished.
As the fight progressed, Topuria’s relentless pressure paid off. In the third round, he landed a decisive right hand that dropped Almakhan against the cage—not once, but twice. Although the Kazakh fighter showed remarkable resilience, Topuria’s grappling and control sealed the deal, earning him a unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards.
Family Ties and Rising Stakes
This victory marks Topuria’s second win in the UFC, further solidifying his reputation as a rising force in the bantamweight division. The event was also notable for the presence of his brother, Ilia Topuria, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, who was in Qatar to support Aleksandre and found himself in a heated exchange with rival Paddy Pimblett—a subplot that added extra spice to the proceedings.
In the post-fight press conference, Aleksandre expressed gratitude to his family and team, hinting that his next move might be a celebratory meal at a Georgian restaurant before considering future career steps. He also praised Almakhan’s toughness and predicted that the Kazakh prospect would continue to make waves in the division.
What’s Next for Aleksandre Topuria?
With this win, Topuria extends his professional record to 7-1 and positions himself as a legitimate contender to watch in the UFC’s bantamweight ranks. His blend of striking, grappling, and composure under pressure has fans and analysts alike eager to see who he faces next.
For now, Aleksandre Topuria can savor a hard-earned victory in front of a global audience, as the UFC’s expansion into Qatar provides a new stage for emerging stars to shine.
Sources
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