Ilia Topuria is no stranger in the spotlight, but there is a lot on the line for him on UFC 317.
After leaving his featherweight belt earlier this year, Topuria will be confronted with Charles Oliveira on 28 June for the empty lightweight title.
Topuria focused on Islam Makhachev, which would have been a huge fight, but 'doing Bronx' is still a major challenge for the undefeated star that has committed to 155 pounds.
This time his change in weight class is not the only big difference for 'El Matador' after an important update with regard to his preparations.
Topuria will no longer work with the same coaches who have been by his side at every step, asking if this will influence his performance in Las Vegas.
Jorge Climent does not believe that Ilia Topuria's amicable move will influence its UFC 317 performance
Both Ilia Topuria and his brother Aleksandre have trained under the Brothers climent in Climent Club in Alicante, Spain since the start of their career.
The success of the former featherweight champion has brought a lot of praise and attention to this team, but his ability to train there has been made more difficult after his move to Madrid.
In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Jorge Climent stated that there are no hard feelings after they have reached the decision as 'gentlemen' last week.
'No, we no longer work together. I feel that this is not always good for sentimental thing, you know, but [this] Is life. We are going with him [on] This trip and now he grows and he wants to fly away, you know.
“We are very proud to go all the way with him. We are very proud of everything he has done and of course we are a bit sad, but I want everything in his life [to] Keep going well. “
Climent said that with Topuria who now has his own gym in his house, he no longer has to make the trip to Alicante to train for his fighting.
He does not believe that this sudden change to stop training with his original coaches will influence 'El Matador' on 28 June.
Whether he is in the corner or not, the climent is still sure that his former student will get his hand in the main event of UFC 317.
“I don't think so. His performance will be great. He's going to win. I know him, I know this sport and I think he is very focused and that he is going to do very well.”
Jorge Climent is sad that we have not received the Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria instead
Jorge Climent was disappointed when Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev did not come together for the lightweight title.
“Yes, of course. I think fighting is a very good fight and I think it will happen in the future.”
However, with Makhachev up to challenge Jack della Maddalena for the Welterweight belt, that does not mean that his path cannot cross with topurias in the future.
Climent believes that instead of Makhachev returns to 155 pounds, it is more likely that Topuria will increase a different weight class in the future.
“I think it would be there. I think having three belts is something that never happened in history. That would be crazy.”