In the fiercely competitive world of Mixed Martial Arts, Ilia Topuria has risen to prominence in the 145-pound category. His unstoppable ascent is not just due to his prowess in the octagon, but also thanks to a top-level team, with Cuban fitness coach Jesús Gallo standing out.
Topuria, boasting an impressive record of 16-0-0 and regarded by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, introduced Gallo on his YouTube channel. In an episode titled "Becoming a LEGEND: My Week Before the FIGHT Against MAX HOLLOWAY," "El Matador" expressed his deep respect for Gallo, stating, “I’m lucky to have the master.” He added that Gallo is not fond of cameras or being in the spotlight, and they had to persuade him to participate in the recording.
“He designs all my physical preparation; it's his job to ensure I’m at 100 percent,” the undefeated fighter remarked just days before his spectacular knockout victory over Max Holloway (26-8-0) at UFC 308, held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The Path to Excellence: Gallo's Journey
Based in Florida, USA, Gallo enjoyed a successful career as a judoka, achieving significant results between 1999 and 2004. However, his major breakthrough came in his role as a trainer. His trajectory has been so impressive that he has worked with numerous stars, from UFC figures like Jorge Masvidal to NBA players and Major League Baseball athletes, including Miguel Antonio Vargas, son of legendary baseball player Lázaro Vargas.
Through hard work and outstanding results, his gym, Elite Athletes Performance in Miami, gained fame, and Gallo emerged as a benchmark in achieving optimal physical conditioning for athletes, a crucial aspect in contemporary sports.
Gallo's Expertise in Action
A quick look at his Instagram profile reveals more: over 20 years of training professional athletes, a degree in Exercise Physiology, and a specialization in Sports Medicine.
Gallo joined Topuria’s team after the fighter’s UFC debut, when Topuria sought to optimize his physical conditioning. “They reached out to me to work on his conditioning, as he had issues with weight cutting and his training didn’t suit his style and physique,” Gallo explained in an interview with El Nuevo Herald.
Since then, the partnership has been crucial to Topuria’s evolution, who has experienced significant muscle improvement and stamina, enabling him to maintain a high pace in the octagon.
Predicting the Future
In fact, during a conversation in February 2024, Gallo predicted a potential outcome for a fight between Topuria and Holloway. “Max Holloway, Jair Rodríguez, Brian Ortega are not the fighters they once were. Holloway has fought many battles, suffered a lot, and I don't think he can last against Ilia now,” he warned, and his words came true.
Under Gallo’s guidance, Ilia, who holds dual nationality as a Georgian and Spanish citizen, has not only showcased his talent in the octagon but also demonstrated that with proper preparation, it is possible to compete at the highest level and dethrone the world's best.