Aleksandre Topuria is set to make his UFC debut against Colby Thicknesse at UFC 312, unfazed by the presence of Alexander Volkanovski in Thicknesse’s corner, as he focuses solely on his opponent and draws strength from having his brother, Ilia Topuria, in his own corner.
Aleksandre Topuria gets it—his octagon debut comes with a side of drama. But honestly? It doesn’t faze him one bit.
Facing Colby Thicknesse at UFC 312 in Sydney, Topuria steps into the spotlight. His brother, UFC featherweight champ Ilia Topuria, stands by his side. Meanwhile, Thicknesse has Alexander Volkanovski—Topuria’s previous conquest—backing him up.
Volkanovski’s presence? Not a concern for Aleksandre. “No rivalry,” he insists. “It’s just me and Colby in there.” He’s been through this before, so no pressure here.
His focus is razor-sharp. “Another guy in the cage this time,” he says. Forget external noise; it’s all about the opponent right in front of him.
Switch gears to soccer analogies: “You score, it’s 1-1. I win, it’s 2-0.” The pressure flips when you change the game.
After nearly two years out, “El Conquistador” returns to action. Sure, having a superstar sibling sped things up for him, but he’s up for it.
Why the hiatus? Simple. He paused his career to help Ilia prep for monumental battles against Volkanovski and Holloway.
Ilia’s always had his back—and vice versa. This Saturday won’t be any different.
“Ilia’s voice is like an elixir,” Aleksandre explains. It’s the only sound that cuts through the chaos during fights.
The bond between brothers is unbreakable. “It’s like having another Aleksandre outside the cage.”
Thicknesse steps in as a late replacement, boasting a perfect 7-0 record after clinching the HEX Fight Series title with a knockout.
Aleksandre’s soaking up the limelight—photos, interviews, you name it. This debut feels more like a seasoned fighter’s fight week.
Pressure? Nah. “I want to stay humble,” Topuria asserts. But deep down, he knows: he’s not letting Colby take this one home. Ready to die or kill—he means business.