UFC 312 may not be the best map in the world, but there is certainly many provisional measures to be enthusiastic about before the two title fights fall above the account.
In particular, MMA fans count on the promotion debut of one Aleksandre 'El Conquistador' Topuria – older brother of undefeated champion Vederweight, Ilia Topuria.
The older Topuria enters the UFC with a professional record of 5-1 and has now revealed that it was 'El Matador' who pushed him to join him on the Roster after initially planning a slower turnout to Superstardom.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Aleksandre Topuria was originally not going to enter UFC so early
Aleksandre Topuria made his professional MMA debut in 2015 and is now entering the UFC with a record of 5-1, including two entry victories and three first round knockouts.
Although fans are pleased to see a second Topuria on the Roster, many have wondered if he is ready for the big competitions, because it is rare to see an athlete drawing for the promotion with such a thin album .
According to Aleksandre, the original plan that he would do a few more fights on the regional scene in Spain before he had his big money moved to the UFC; And it was only when Ilia became UFC champion that changed the blueprint.
“My plans were very different, I didn't want to fight like a 5-1 [fighter] In the UFC that is the truth, “he told Shak MMA prior to his promotion debut this weekend.
'I actually had a fight [scheduled] Outside the UFC, but then my brother receives the call to fight Alexander Volkanovski, and I coached my brother – I coach him all the time. I didn't want to be selfish and fight for mine, my brother fight for the belt.
“We are keeping it together, we have done the job, we take the belt, so then I still wanted to follow my plans to have a number of other fights outside the UFC … but certainly Ilia, my brother, he will be UFC champion, and he saw what I was doing for him – he says: 'Okay, now I will insist for him [to be signed]. ' “
His last fight was back in May 2023, but after Ilia Topuria UFC Gold claimed in sensational style, Aleksandre was forced to have a number of serious conversations about his future – either as a coach or as a hunter.
“When I got the contract and the chance [to fight in the UFC]I had a conversation with myself, and I say: 'I have two choices … I say no, reject the UFC contract and keep fighting outside the UFC … or I sign the contract, and I fight the best directly Boys in the world and see how good I am. '
“That was the reason [for the layoff]But more money, more hype, more everything – so why don't I say, why be stupid and say no? “
Aleksandre Topuria about the 'print' of being Ilia Topuria's older brother
The 5-1 newcomer says he feels no pressure fighting while trying to follow in the footsteps of his brothers and sisters: only when he coaches Ilia Topuria for his own fighting.
'Listen, I don't feel busy like a hunter, [but] Do you know where I feel busy? I feel busy when I have to stay with him and show him the right things he has to do … He knows what to do, but when you coach, [especially] If he wants me in this position … there is a lot of responsibility.
“I feel busy at that moment, but at the moment he feels the pressure – I don't feel busy, I have to enter the cage and enjoy fighting, I enjoy every moment … When he is with me, I feel more power , not busy. “
Aleksandre, who remains as confident as his brother or sister, laughed when he noticed that the roles will be reversed at UFC 312 this weekend.
'When he goes in [the cage] And I stay outside, I feel busy because I can't do anything, I can just talk – that's the real pressure. The pressure will stay outside with him, not with me. '
Aleksandre Topuria is confronted with the Australian newcomer and teammate of Alexander Volkanovski, Colby 'Disease' thickness on the provisional opener of UFC 312: Du Plessis vs Strickland 2.
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