Ilia Topuria displays a dramatic physical transformation as he prepares for his return to the octagon.
The fighter, born in Georgia and representing Spain, is scheduled to compete for the lightweight championship in the main event of UFC 317 in Las Vegas in just over two weeks.
The 28-year-old Topuria will face former champion Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title, which was recently vacated by pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev.
This bout marks Topuria`s debut at 155 lbs since he relinquished his featherweight belt and announced his move up in weight class in February.
The skilled striker has spent the past few months adding significant mass and now exhibits a noticeably more muscular physique.
Photos revealing Topuria`s increased size sparked widespread excitement among MMA fans. One commented: “That smirk when you know you`re about to go 17-0 and add another belt to the collection.”
Another said: “He will be a menace at 155.”
And another said: “Ilia Topuria is looking jacked.”
One remarked: “My boy looking thicc as f**k.”
Another chimed in: “He`s a real problem at 155. No one else has that KO power in that division except for Charles but it`s not the same as Topuria`s.”
Topuria`s transition to the lightweight division follows his dominant performance in his only defense of the 145 lbs title against Max Holloway last October.
He made the move primarily to avoid the significant weight cut of over a stone (approx. 14 lbs) required for the featherweight division.
Topuria`s upcoming fight against Oliveira will be his first at lightweight and also his initial bout since parting ways with his long-term coaches, the Climent Brothers.
`El Matador` recently departed from the Climent Club in Alicante, led by brothers Jorge and Augustin, choosing to establish his training base in Madrid.
The separation was friendly, as confirmed by Jorge, who told Submission Radio: “You feel, always, this is not good for the sentimental feeling, but this is life.”
“We accompanied him on his journey, and now he has grown and wants to fly solo, you know?
“We are very proud of how far we went with him.
“We are very proud of everything he has achieved.
“Of course, we are a little sad, but I want everything in his life to continue going well.
“I wish all the best for him and his brother, and I believe they feel the same about us.
“I don`t know what the future holds.
“We have our own path now. We love him. We love his brother.
“We know he`s going to beat everyone he fights because he`s the best.
“He will always be like a son to us.”
Gideon Holt 
Elton Marrow