Aleksandre Topuria beat Colby Thicknesse with a unanimous decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC 312 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.

Take a look inside the fight with Topuria, brother of UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who picked up a win in his promotional debut.

Aleksandre Topuria def. Colby Thicknesse

Result: Aleksandre Topuria def. Colby Thicknesse via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Updated records: Topuria (6-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Thicknesse (7-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Key stats: Topuria stuffed all eight of Thicknesse’s takedown attempts.

Aleksandre Topuria, UFC 312

Topuria on the fight’s key moment

“I think it was mixed martial arts – a little bit of standup, takedowns, ground control. But I know this guy was coming in very angry about how I had the opportunity, and ‘Let’s show the world that Aleksandre Topuria is not his brother. Let’s use this chance to show the world who I am.’ This guy was coming for the win. I was feeling that.”

Topuria on having a champ brother

“The whole week was very emotional – very satisfying. I really was feeling good all the time. But for sure, let’s be real: When you have your UFC debut, and you have a UFC world champion as your brother, it’s not about the pressure because he’s a champion – it’s about the expectations that people have. I fought my UFC debut, and I know I jumped over most of the fighters (in my position) who have maybe five fights, six fights. It’s not because I want to – it’s because I understand the business, too. I wasn’t feeling the pressure, but I was feeling the responsibility.”

Topuria on fighting Thicknesse

“I think (Thicknesse) deserves (to be in the UFC) … I felt a warrior’s soul in him – very good. Very good. I’m nobody to say this, but I think I have to say it, and I’ll ask if I have a chance to ask somebody – that he deserves a UFC contract.

“What can I say? Great fighter, great warrior, respectful – I want to hang out with this guy. WHat can I say? (He’s a) very good guy. In Spain, if he wants to come, he just has to ask for my name and (he’s welcome in) my home.”

“Let’s use this chance to show the world who I am.”‘

Aleksandre Topuria makes a statement in his @UFC debut and picks up his first win inside the Octagon against Colby Thicknesse at #UFC312

Prelim Results ➡️ https://t.co/5ztZJOtD1C

— UFC News (@UFCNews) February 9, 2025

To hear more from Topuria, check out his post-fight interview above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 312.

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