Ilia Topuria isn’t resorting to typical training in preparation for the UFC’s special Freedom 250 event on June 14, 2026. All set to face Justin Gaethje, Topuria is seen using a neurostimulation headset in an Instagram reel posted by @espnmma. The device is said to emit infrared light, which helps with mental recovery, improves focus, and enhances sleep.

According to his “Road to the White House” series, Topuria has been using the device for short sessions before and after his training. A trained professional expertly inserts a tiny needle into the tissue close to the nerve with the help of an ultrasound machine for precision. Topuria has been vocal about the benefits he is experiencing.

“What I notice most is the focus before training. It’s like not even 100 coffees match.”

Although the technology has been around for several years, Topuria has been using it only since 2022. However, Topuria isn’t the first or last athlete known to use neurotech to enhance training.

As per a 2023 Vielight newsletter, two-time Olympian Angelica Delgado has reportedly incorporated MIL and the Neuro Duo, two similar neurotech devices, to help aid recovery and boost mental clarity.

A Look into How Ilia Topuria is Preparing for the White House Fight

Topuria is pulling out all the stops for the preparation of his bout against Justin Gaethje. As per an interview with MMA Mania, Topuria’s personal camp is being built around a customized game plan.

“It’s completely different, the preparation for every fighter,” he said. “Like, for example, once we got the confirmation that we were fighting with Justin, the first thing I used to do with my team we’d sit down in front of the screen and we go in like Justin’s team [as if] we have to advise Justin on how he has to fight against Ilia.”

The idea is to predict what Gaethje might do, and to prepare the best attack and defense strategy against it.

“We start watching my fights from the perspective of, ‘We are Justin’s team. And we do the strategy of Justin. And based on Justin’s strategy, we make our strategy. We take away all his chances.”

 This basic blueprint will shape his entire personalized training schedule, right from technical drills all the way down to sparring techniques.

With cutting-edge technology as a part of his training routine, Topuria leaves no stone unturned. This might be one of the biggest bouts of his career, as everyone eagerly awaits to see what happens.

What are your thoughts about athletes introducing neurotech in their training programs? Do you feel it might give them an unfair advantage, or are they simply making use of modern, advanced technologies?

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Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil