Ilia Topuria recalls being 'so scared' ahead of first professional fight

Ilia Topuria recalled experiencing overwhelming fear before his professional debut in 2015, despite ultimately launching what would become an undefeated career. At just 18 years old, the now-unbeaten featherweight champion faced a significant step up: a seven-fight veteran. Topuria admitted to questioning his career choices in the moments before his first fight, even contemplating backing out entirely. "I was so scared for my first professional fight," Topuria said on DeepCuts with VicBlends, describing a tumultuous emotional state. "I was like, 'Why didn't I study? What am I doing here?'" Yet alongside the terror came intense motivation—a paradoxical mix that pushed him through the anxiety. The experience, Topuria recalled, was hellish, and he came close to remaining backstage and not stepping into the cage. That debut nonetheless proved a launching point for what is now a 17-fight undefeated streak, illustrating how fighters can overcome early doubts to build championship careers.