By Rising UFC star Ilia Topuria recently shared a revealing insight into his training philosophy during an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
The undefeated featherweight fighter, who is known for his precision and ferocity in the Octagon, candidly admitted that he no longer incorporates sparring into his training regimen.
In his own words, Topuria said:
“I don’t use to spar at all. I sent so much people to the hospital. Before I used to go like crazy. I wanted to prove myself like, I can knock you out. I can submit you so much damage. Sometimes you knock people out and you feel bad. Right now I’m like, no, no, no. Sometimes people comes to me like, let’s spar. I’m like, I recommend you to no.”
This raw confession gives fans a rare glimpse into the evolution of Topuria’s mindset. The 27-year-old acknowledges his past drive to prove himself through intense sparring, but he has since shifted to a more measured approach. His words highlight the physical toll sparring can take on training partners and the guilt he’s felt from causing injuries.
Topuria’s decision not to spar underscores a growing trend among elite fighters to prioritize long-term health and skill refinement over the traditional, often brutal, sparring sessions. This approach aligns with a broader movement in MMA that recognizes the dangers of repeated head trauma and the cumulative impact of intense gym wars.
By sharing this during his conversation with Joe Rogan, Topuria is not only offering a look into his personal growth but also contributing to an important dialogue in combat sports about fighter safety and training methods. His words resonate with a new generation of fighters seeking smarter ways to prepare for competition without compromising their well-being or that of their teammates.
Comments