Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili awarded UFC Champion Ilia Topuria with an Order of Honour.

Ilia Topuria received the Order for his contribution and merit in the popularisation of Ultimate Fighting art in Georgia and his achievements.

Ilia Topuria said it was a great honour for him to receive the title.

“I left Georgia as an ordinary citizen but came back and stand before you with this title today. My heart fills with pride. This evening we will support the Georgian football team and help it to win. Thank you for coming. Saqartvelos Gaumarjos (Long Live Georgia),” he said.

Georgian President said that Ilia Topuria and people like him were “live examples for youngsters.”

“I am happy to have the opportunity to award Ilia Topuria. His is exemplary in many aspects, including for youngsters, what heights a person may reach, be it in Georgia or abroad. lia Topuria and people like him are live examples for youngsters. In general, our society lacks examples, therefore this is significant.

You wished to retain Georgian citizenship. This is also a serious message for those who live in foreign countries for them to timely request Georgian citizenship. There are different forms to gain, restore and retain citizenship. What matters is to have such a desire and you demonstrated such a desire. This is being Georgian, faithfulness to your motherland wherever and how successful you might be. Thank you once again,” she said.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili nominated Ilia Topuria for Order of Honour.

Ilia Topuria, a Georgian Featherweight Champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), arrived in Tbilisi on March 18 at the Prime Minister’s invitation. He will present his championship belt at the Georgia-Luxemburg football match on March 21.

The 27-year-old athlete knocked out Australia’s Alexander Volkanovski on February 16. This round secured the 15th consecutive victory to Ilia Topuria in the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). He has had no defeat throughout his career.