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MMA PROS PICK > News > Ilia Topuria Once Grinded Counter-Strike 1.6 Before Becoming a UFC Star
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Ilia Topuria Once Grinded Counter-Strike 1.6 Before Becoming a UFC Star

Subham Sahu February 28, 2026 3 Min Read
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Ilia Topuria
Ilia Topuria Once Grinded Counter-Strike 1.6 Before Becoming a UFC Star. [Images via UFC and Counter-Strike]
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Reigning UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is a Counter Strike OG. Topuria recently joined streamer Adin Ross on his stream, and the pair spent some time playing EA Sports UFC 5 and FIFA.

At one point during the episode, Ross asked Topuria if he plays Counter-Strike Global Offensive, and Topuria revealed that he has been playing CS since the 1.6 days.

Although “El Matador” doesn’t get the time to game anymore, his brother Aleksandre still loves to play the game once in a while. He said:

Yeah, [I played CS GO]. Not now, but back in the days, I played CS 1.6. My brother loves to play.”

UFC fighter Ilia Topuria reveals he is a Counter-Strike OG 🔥

He’s the current UFC Lightweight Champion 🏆 pic.twitter.com/B2QVEHd9Hc

— CSGO500 (@CSGO500) February 28, 2026

As per reports, Ilia and Aleksandre have been playing CS since 2012 and were professional CS: GO players.

I remember guys were telling me that Ilia Topuria was a elite Counter-Strike gamer with his brother. 😁

They used to play CS in local Internet café in Rustavi, Georgia when they were 15-16 y.o. https://t.co/3bqZVoPkkv

— Giorgi Kokiashvili 🇬🇪 (@iHeartGeorgius1) June 20, 2023

Reportedly, the two would play the game in Internet cafes in Rustavi, Georgia, after MMA practice daily, and at one point, they got really good at it and reached the peak CSGO rank, which is Global Elite (GE).

Many on social media have said that Ilia Topuria could have been a pro gamer had he not pursued a career in MMA.

Key Topics Discussed During Adin Ross’ Stream Featuring Ilia Topuria

During the Kick stream, Ilia Topuria and Adin Ross touched on several topics. Here are most of the key highlights from the stream.

  1. Ilia Topuria revealed that he is not sure if he will be facing Justin Gaethje at the White House, but said he will be fighting this summer and is staying ready.
  2. Topuria criticized Paddy Pimblett’s and Justin Gaethje’s UFC 324 interim title bout.
  3. He agreed to fight Arman Tsarukyan and said that he doesn’t see the Armenian as a threat at 155 pounds.
  4. The Georgian-Spaniard also called out Conor McGregor.
  5. The 29-year-old said he wants to fight Islam Makhachev at 170 pounds but is also open to fighting at any weight between 155 and 170 pounds. Topuria also proposed a custom pound-for-pound belt for which he and Makhachev could potentially fight.
  6. During the stream, Topuria took massive digs at Jake Paul and agreed to spar with “The Problem Child.”
  7. “El Matador” named Alexander Volkanovski as the toughest test opponent he’s ever faced.
  8. Topuria said Max Holloway will beat Charles Oliveira at UFC 326.
  9. “El Matador” also opined that he was never a fan of “The Eagle,” as the latter was never entertaining to watch, despite an undefeated record.
  10. The 29-year-old also told Ross that he is interested in fighting McGregor, Makhachev, and Pimblett over Gaethje.
See also  Ian Machado Garry Confident of Facing Islam Makhachev Next, but Ali Abdelaziz Pushes Back

Check out the full stream to hear everything Ilia Topuria had to say by clicking on this link.

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TAGGED:Counter Strike 1.6CSGOGamesIlia TopuriaUFCUFC lightweight championship
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By Subham Sahu
Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows. He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.
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