Ilia Topuria

Date: 2025-04-16 | Duration: 2h 32m

Episode Overview

A top UFC fighter joins Joe to discuss their ambitious move to the lightweight division (155 lbs) and what it takes to compete at the highest level in multiple weight classes. Joe is visibly excited — he's been waiting for this fighter to come to the UFC for a long time, and the division switch feels like a moment the fans deserve. The conversation covers the brutal science of weight cutting: the fighter is consuming only fat and protein in tiny portions, drinking eight liters of water per day, eliminating carbohydrates, sodium, and fiber. They discuss the fighter's philosophy of domination — submission when possible, but always finishing — and what it means to truly want to hurt your opponent in a combat sport. Co-promotion history, fan excitement, and the fighter's plans for their new division round out a conversation that doubles as a preview of one of the UFC's most anticipated transitions.

About Ilia Topuria

Ilia Topuria is a rising star in the world of mixed martial arts, currently competing in the Lightweight division of the UFC. Known for his explosive fighting style and grappling prowess, Topuria boasts an impressive undefeated record, having showcased his skills across various organizations before making a significant impact in the UFC. Born in Georgia and raised in Spain, he is also celebrated for his charismatic personality and dedication to the sport, which have garnered him a passionate fanbase. As he continues to climb the ranks of the UFC, Topuria's journey and relentless pursuit of greatness make him a compelling figure in the world of combat sports.

Key Moments

– Transitioning to the lightweight division — the motivation and timing
– Extreme weight cutting protocol: 8 liters water, only fat and protein
– Philosophy of domination — submissions and finishes
– UFC co-promotion history and fan excitement
– What it means to truly want to win in combat sports
0:00:00 – Joe is excited about the lightweight division journey
0:41:19 – They wanted to co-promote — UFC fans have been waiting for this
1:02:18 – Philosophy: dominate and submit as soon as possible
1:22:22 – Diet: no carbs, no sodium, no fiber — only fat, protein, 8 liters water
2:26:27 – When people see this fight, they'll know it's something special

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 The Joe Rogan Experience. Trained by day, Joe Rogan podcast by night, all day. Alright bro, my man. What's happening? Pleasure. No, please, my pleasure. Thank you very much for having me here. My pleasure. Starting point is 00:00:18 My honor. I'm very excited about this new thing you're doing. I'm very excited about your journey into the lightweight division. Something that I felt very excited also about that. What are you walking around at? Like what do you walk around that when you were fighting at 45? I'm gonna tell you in kilos. Okay. I walk around 80-82. That's what is that Jamie? Like 160-170? 175? 180. 180? Okay So you were losing quite a bit of weight. 35 pounds? 25, 30 pounds. Starting point is 00:00:48 Like, oof. Yeah, that's how hard. That was the hardest part of the fight game for me. I wasn't enjoying at all the last couple fights that I had. Because it's like I had to become more professional in the weight cut than in a fight game, you know and it was taking a lot of time and energy from me and I'm like My dream is to become a world champion I want to end up this this chapter that I have that I started in 145 and now it's time to Starting point is 00:01:17 To really enjoy it and I'm very excited about that. I Already have one fight in 155. Joy Herbert. Joy Herbert. I already have one fight in 155. Jai Herbert. Jai Herbert. I really wish the UFC would eliminate weight cutting. I really wish there was a way. Why do you allow to do that? I don't. It's sanctioned cheating that everybody has to do. It's like you're, you know, I mean if you're saying you're 180 pounds you're not really 145 right? So it's crazy that you're the 145 pound champion but you're 180 pound man it's kind of nuts yeah but at the same time if you go to the next weight class you are playing with the disadvantage because the guy in the next division is cutting a lot of weight mm-hmm so if you don't do that at the Starting point is 00:01:57 end of the day you w...

More Episodes

Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #10166?

Ilia Topuria was the guest on JRE #10166. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #10166?

On Joe Rogan Experience #10166 with Ilia Topuria, topics include Transitioning to the lightweight division — the motivation, Extreme weight cutting protocol: 8 liters water, only fat, Philosophy of domination — submissions and finishes, and UFC co-promotion history and fan excitement.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #10166?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #10166 with Ilia Topuria is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.