Ilia Topuria's brother comments on victory and reveals pressure felt in his UFC 312 debut

Alexander Topuria e Ilia Topuria are brothers. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Alexander Topuria took a weight off his shoulders by debuting with a victory in UFC 312. The older brother of featherweight champion (up to 65,7kg), Ilia, defeated Colby Thicknesse by unanimous decision. Despite his dominance in the octagon, the Spaniard felt the pressure of his surname when he entered the action.

In an interview with 'UFC News' after the fight at UFC 312, Topuria spoke about the excitement and satisfaction he felt during his debut week in the UFC. The Spaniard highlighted that the real pressure does not come from having a world champion brother, but from the high expectations people have because of it.

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“The whole week was very emotional – very satisfying. I was really feeling good the whole time. But for sure, let’s be real: When you have your UFC debut, and you have a UFC world champion as your brother, it’s not about the pressure because he’s a champion – it’s about the expectations that people have. I fought in my UFC debut, and I know I jumped over most fighters (in my position) who maybe have five fights, six fights. It’s not because I want to – it’s because I understand the business as well. I wasn’t feeling the pressure, but I was feeling the responsibility,” Aleksandre said.

Topuria praises Thicknesse and offers hospitality to train together in Spain

Aleksandre praised his opponent, saying that he deserves to be in the UFC and that he saw a true warrior's soul in him. Although he doesn't think he's the type of person to make such a statement, the featherweight champion's older brother feels it's important to say it. He also offered hospitality if Thicknesse wants to come to Spain to train together.

“I think Thicknesse deserves to be in the UFC… I felt the warrior soul in him – very good. Very good. I’m nobody to say this, but I think I have to say, he’s a very good guy. In Spain, if he wants to come, he’s welcome in my house,” concluded the Spaniard.

With the positive result, Aleksandre increased his record to six wins and one loss as a professional MMA fighter.