ILIA TOPURIA completed an epic body transformation at the official UFC 317 weigh-ins.
The former king of the featherweights will bid to claim the vacant lightweight title early on Sunday morning in the main event of the International Fight Week card in Las Vegas.
Topuria, 28, announced his move up to 155lbs in February after growing tired of the gruelling cut down to 145lbs.
The Georgian-born Spaniard has been sporting a much more muscle-bound frame over the last few months.
And he looked in incredible shape as he hit the scales at the official weigh-ins at the UFC Apex this afternoon.
‘El Matador’ looked lean and mean as he hit the lightweightchampionshipmark of 155lbs for the first time.
Topuria used to cut over a STONE in weight to make the featherweight title fight limit, and the gruelling cut played a big role in his decision to leave the belt he won last February.
He told ESPN Deportes: “In that moment [when cutting weight], I’m so low.
“I feel terrible... I didn’t want to suffer anymore...
“It’s like living in the desert, and I wanted to live on the beach.”;
Standing between Topuria and a second UFC title is former lightweight champion and fan favourite .
Topuria has immense respect for ‘Do Bronx’ but plans to brutally knock him out to fulfil his dream of becoming a two-division champion.
He said: “Charles is a great fighter.
“I’d say he’s a legendary fighter, one of the few still active in the UFC.
“But the truth is that his style fits perfectly with mine to put him tosleepin the first round.
“Because he has no mobility, he doesn’t move.”;
