Big Shock at Ilia Topuria’s Training Camp: Turmoil Ahead of UFC 317

UFC 317 is set to deliver one of the most explosive cards of the year, and at the center of it all is Ilia Topuria, the former featherweight champion now venturing into lightweight waters. The Georgian-Spanish phenom will face none other than Charles Oliveira, one of the most lethal finishers in UFC history, in a bout that could reshape the lightweight division.

But just as Topuria gears up for what is arguably the most high-stakes fight of his career, a major shakeup has rocked his training camp. Long-standing relationships have been altered, and the structure of his preparation has dramatically shifted mere weeks before he enters the Octagon.

Ilia Topuria Leaves Climent Club After 13 Years

According to MMA journalist Giorgi Kokiashvili, Topuria and his brother Aleksandre have officially parted ways with the Climent Club, ending a 13-year partnership with the gym that helped mold them into elite fighters. The split, reported as mutual and respectful, nonetheless represents a seismic change for a fighter on the cusp of potentially becoming a two-division champion.

The Climent Club, based in Alicante, Spain, has been instrumental in the evolution of the Topuria brothers, especially in their early development. The gym, founded by Jorge and Agustín Climent, has long been recognized for its Brazilian jiu-jitsu roots and for being one of Spain’s pioneering MMA institutions.

While no bad blood is reported, the parting still leaves fans and analysts questioning the timing and implications of the decision.

Why the Timing Raises Eyebrows

The timing of the split is one of the most striking aspects of this development. With UFC 317 just weeks away, the last thing any fighter wants is a disruption to their camp structure. This is especially true for a fighter like Ilia Topuria, who is making his lightweight debut against Charles Oliveira, a former champion known for capitalizing on the smallest of mistakes.

Fighter-coach chemistry takes time to build. The Climent brothers were part of Topuria’s corner through some of his biggest UFC wins, including his domination of Josh Emmett and his knockout of Jai Herbert. They understood his rhythm, his tendencies, and how to guide him through chaos inside the cage.

Now, without their direct involvement, Topuria’s coaching dynamic will inevitably shift—and not everyone adjusts well to such changes under pressure.

Javi Climent Remains in Topuria’s Corner

One important clarification is that Javi Climent, Topuria’s boxing coach, will remain part of his corner. According to Kokiashvili, Javi was never officially affiliated with the Climent Club, despite the shared surname. His presence will offer some consistency in Topuria’s corner, especially in the striking department where Ilia has recently shown major improvements.

Still, the absence of the gym’s founders, Jorge and Agustín Climent, is noteworthy. These were the mentors who were there during Ilia’s formative years, guiding him from regional shows to UFC stardom.

Ilia Topuria Now Training in Madrid

Reports indicate that Ilia and Aleksandre Topuria have relocated to Madrid, where they will conduct the remainder of their camp. The reasons behind the move appear to be logistical and personal rather than rooted in conflict. Topuria now lives in Madrid, making daily training in Alicante more difficult to manage consistently.

The decision to train closer to home could have practical benefits in terms of convenience and recovery, but it also means a new coaching staff and potentially new training partners. That’s a gamble when you’re preparing for someone like Charles Oliveira, a fighter who thrives on unpredictability and capitalizes on hesitation.

Charles Oliveira: The Ultimate Test

If there’s a fighter capable of exploiting a camp change, it’s Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira. The Brazilian is the UFC’s all-time leader in submissions and one of the most dangerous opponents in the lightweight division. With wins over Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, and Beneil Dariush, Oliveira has proven himself against the division’s best.

He is also a veteran of over 30 UFC fights. That level of experience makes him uniquely equipped to sense hesitation, doubt, or any cracks in the opponent’s preparation.

For Topuria, who is moving up to 155 lbs for the first time, the challenge is already daunting. Add in the turbulence from a coaching shakeup, and the task becomes even more formidable.

Can Ilia Topuria Overcome the Disruption?

If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Ilia Topuria, it’s that he’s mentally resilient. Whether it’s overcoming adversity in fights or bouncing back from injuries, he’s shown an elite mindset. But this situation is different. This isn’t just a matter of physical recovery or opponent strategy—it’s about whether his new camp can provide the same synergy and tactical clarity that his old team did.

Can Topuria replicate the chemistry and cohesion of his previous training environment in Madrid? That’s the question that could define the outcome of UFC 317.

A Chance to Cement His Legacy

Despite the chaos, Topuria’s fight with Charles Oliveira remains a golden opportunity. A win would instantly launch him into the top of the lightweight rankings and could earn him a shot at Islam Makhachev for the title.

If he can defeat Oliveira under these circumstances, it would be a testament not only to his skill but also to his adaptability—a trait that separates good fighters from great ones.

A victory would make Ilia Topuria one of the few fighters to find success in two weight classes and position him as one of the UFC’s premier stars.

What This Means for the Climent Club

The departure of the Topuria brothers is a significant loss for the Climent Club. The gym built its reputation, in part, on the success of Ilia and Aleksandre. Their departure will likely force the gym to focus on developing new talent or reestablishing itself through other fighters.

However, the Climent brothers still hold a respected place in the Spanish MMA community. Their legacy as coaches remains intact, and their contributions to Ilia’s rise won’t be forgotten.

A Fork in the Road for Topuria

UFC 317 represents a fork in the road for Ilia Topuria. It’s more than just a fight—it’s a referendum on whether he can thrive amid adversity and change. With his longtime coaches no longer in his corner, and a future Hall of Famer across the cage, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

This is the kind of moment that defines legacies. If Topuria wins, it validates his decision to move on and proves that greatness can flourish in new soil. If he loses, critics will inevitably point to the timing of the camp shakeup as a key factor.

Final Thoughts

The major shakeup in Ilia Topuria’s camp ahead of UFC 317 adds a dramatic layer to an already compelling matchup. Facing Charles Oliveira in your lightweight debut is a challenge under any circumstances—but doing so amid a major change in coaching and environment takes things to another level.

Still, if there’s one fighter bold enough to take that gamble, it’s Topuria. Whether he sinks or swims at UFC 317 will shape the narrative of his career for years to come.