Topuria vs Luna: a Year Off Against a 22-Year-Old

Aleksandre Topuria has not fought in a year. His last appearance was on November 22, 2025, at ABHA Arena, a decision win over Bekzat Almakhan. He comes back at bantamweight against Santiago Luna, a 22-year-old out of Tijuana.

Topuria, 29, is 7-1 as a pro and a jiu-jitsu black belt; five of his seven wins came early, and all five of his wins before the UFC were first-round finishes. In the UFC, though, both of his wins went to the scorecards. Luna's record runs the other way: eight wins, seven early, four by rear-naked choke. In June he lost for the first time. Bryce Mitchell submitted him with less than ten seconds left in the final round, in a fight Luna took as a late replacement.

Two questions, one for each man. Can the older one rediscover the finisher he was before the UFC? And has the younger one fixed the hole Mitchell found, against a black belt of all opponents? There is a name attached, too: Topuria is the older brother of Ilia Topuria, the former two-division champion. UFC Fight Night Doha tickets.