Ilia Topuria Makes a Sudden Tactical Change: 15 Days of Intense Training Ahead of UFC 317

In a surprising development just weeks before the blockbuster main event of UFC 317, Ilia Topuria has officially parted ways with his longtime coaches—a move that’s raised eyebrows across the MMA world. The Spanish-Georgian superstar is preparing for the biggest fight of his career, a lightweight title bout against Charles Oliveira, yet he’s decided to overhaul his training team mid-camp.

The dramatic shake-up comes as Topuria aims to make history by becoming a two-division UFC champion, but the timing of the change has sparked both intrigue and concern ahead of the highly anticipated showdown in Las Vegas on June 29.

Topuria Breaks Ties with Climent Brothers

According to multiple sources including MMA Junkie, Ilia Topuria will no longer be working with Jorge and Agustin Climent, the longtime trainers who helped guide him from regional promotions to UFC stardom. For years, Topuria had trained at the Climent Club in Alicante, Spain, developing his fierce striking and elite-level conditioning under the Climent brothers’ tutelage.

However, the 28-year-old has decided to cut ties with the gym and coaches, reportedly on mutual terms. Notably, he will continue to work with Javi Climent, his boxing coach, who is not affiliated with the Climent Club itself.

This marks a significant change for “El Matador”, whose career ascension was built in large part under the Climent Club umbrella.

Relocation to Madrid Triggers Coaching Change

The decision appears to stem primarily from Topuria’s recent relocation. Both Ilia and his brother Aleksandre Topuria—a rising UFC prospect who debuted earlier this year—have moved to Madrid, more than 400 km away from Alicante.

Rather than travel long distances or attempt to juggle locations, the Topuria brothers are now training out of a private home gym, focusing entirely on their own preparation and teamwork.

This change reflects a new, self-driven era in Topuria’s career, and it appears the decision was made to streamline and personalize his training process as he transitions into his new weight class.

From Featherweight King to Lightweight Contender

Ilia Topuria’s rise through the UFC featherweight ranks was nothing short of spectacular. After going undefeated and building a 17-0 record, he claimed the UFC featherweight title in February 2024 by stunning Alexander Volkanovski with a devastating knockout—a feat no one had managed before.

Just eight months later, Topuria delivered another career-defining moment by knocking out Max Holloway, becoming the first fighter ever to stop the Hawaiian via strikes.

But despite his dominance, Topuria struggled with brutal weight cuts to make 145 lbs. In February, he announced his intention to vacate the featherweight belt and move up to the lightweight division, citing health concerns and a desire for longevity in the sport.

Now, he’s on the brink of a historic opportunity: defeat Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, and he’ll become one of the few fighters in UFC history to hold titles in two different divisions.

Topuria Sends Chilling Warning to Oliveira

Despite the coaching shake-up, Topuria remains laser-focused on his mission. Following the official announcement of his UFC 317 main event against Charles Oliveira, he took to social media with a confident message:

“On June 28, another dream will come true. I’ll be the champion of the lightweight division. Charles, my apologies in advance. I’m just fighting for my dreams.”

Topuria also didn’t hold back when referencing former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who many expected him to face next.

“It’s unfortunate that Makhachev ran away. 17-0.”

Makhachev Moves to Welterweight, Title Landscape Shifts

Islam Makhachev’s decision to vacate the UFC lightweight title has opened the door for fighters like Topuria and Oliveira to battle for lightweight supremacy. The Russian phenom recently announced that he’ll move up to 170 lbs, and is now rumored to fight welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena in October.

That leaves the lightweight division wide open—and UFC 317 will likely determine the new kingpin at 155.

For Topuria, it’s the perfect scenario. With Makhachev out of the way, a win over Oliveira would catapult him into two-division superstardom.

Charles Oliveira: The Ultimate Litmus Test

Standing in Topuria’s way is Charles Oliveira, one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history. With 20 finishes and 16 submissions, the Brazilian holds the UFC record for most stoppages and is the former undisputed lightweight champion.

After suffering a tough loss to Makhachev in 2022, Oliveira rebounded with a dominant win over Beneil Dariush, and most recently claimed a unanimous decision victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 309, earning him another crack at gold.

For Oliveira, UFC 317 is not just about redemption—it’s about reclaiming the throne and adding another elite name to his already legendary resume.

Concerns Over Topuria’s Camp Disruption

While Topuria exudes confidence, some MMA analysts have raised concerns about the timing of his coaching changes. With less than six weeks until UFC 317, the decision to switch camps and leave the Climent brothers—who helped guide him to an undefeated UFC record—could be a risky move.

Former fighters and coaches often warn that consistency in training, especially leading into high-stakes bouts, is crucial. Will training exclusively with his brother and boxing coach be enough to prepare for an opponent as seasoned and dangerous as Charles Oliveira?

Time will tell.

UFC Fighters React to Topuria’s Shake-Up

Reactions from the MMA world have been mixed:

• Michael Bisping: “Big change at a big time. Could work for him, but it’s a gamble.”

• Javier Mendez (AKA Coach): “If Ilia believes in his preparation, then that’s all that matters. But Oliveira is a different animal.”

• Daniel Cormier: “I love the Topuria story, but this is Charles Oliveira we’re talking about. You can’t take shortcuts in this game.”

What’s Next for the Winner?

If Ilia Topuria defeats Charles Oliveira, he becomes the first fighter since Conor McGregor to win belts in two divisions back-to-back, and the next mega-star in the UFC.

For Oliveira, a win would restore his place atop the division and potentially set up a massive rematch with Islam Makhachev, should the Russian return to 155.

There’s also the looming threat of Dustin Poirier, Arman Tsarukyan, and Mateusz Gamrot, all of whom could become future opponents depending on the UFC 317 outcome.

Final Thoughts: Greatness or Gamble?

Ilia Topuria’s decision to overhaul his coaching structure is bold—but not without precedent. Fighters like Georges St-Pierre, Max Holloway, and Israel Adesanya have all made changes mid-career to adapt, evolve, or relocate.

Still, doing it just weeks before a title fight against one of the most dangerous finishers in the sport is a calculated risk.

Will Topuria’s raw talent and elite striking be enough to carry him through? Or will Charles Oliveira’s experience, jiu-jitsu, and pressure expose the cracks in the rising star’s new approach?