In anticipation of his upcoming fight, Topuria reflected on his experiences leading up to this pivotal moment in his career. Carrying a four-fight winning streak, he expressed both excitement and familiarity about the fight week atmosphere. “Before I traveled to Australia, I thought it would be a little different,” he stated, comparing his current situation to the countless times he had been alongside his brother through similar situations. However, he soon realized that the experience felt remarkably similar to those past moments.
Topuria expressed that he found the process of preparing for his own fight to be enjoyable: “I enjoyed it more than when Ilia fights,” he noted. He attributed this enjoyment to the heightened focus he must maintain when supporting his brother, which translates into a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere during his own fight week. The one aspect he highlighted as a drawback was the weight cut, which can make the experience more taxing. “If there is no weight cut, it’s just a usual week: you train, you eat, you rest, and repeat,” he explained.
Reflecting on his journey as a UFC fighter, Topuria shared valuable lessons learned from his experiences. He acknowledged that while there are always pressures and doubts, it is essential to embrace and enjoy the process. “I learned that I must enjoy it more,” he said, indicating that his first fight brought about a certain level of anxiety tied to external expectations. Now, having gained confidence and familiarity, he feels more comfortable and liberated.
“There is always pressure, there are always questions, there is always doubt, but you must enjoy; truly, you must enjoy,” Topuria emphasized, underscoring his commitment to savoring every moment as he gears up for his fight on Saturday. As he approaches this new challenge, he seems determined to carry this mindset into the octagon, ready to compete and revel in the journey ahead.
