New UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria was honored in his dwelling nation at this time as he received to participate within the ceremonial kickoff to begin Actual Madrid’s soccer recreation towards Sevilla.
The sport befell on the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, the 85,000 seat dwelling of Actual Madrid. Topuria has aspired to struggle there someday, and given his rising recognition in Spain, it simply might come collectively later this yr.
Topuria made his look in a swimsuit carrying his new title over his shoulder. After shaking fingers with members of each Actual Madrid and Sevilla, he gave a pleasant correct kick of the ball — no off kilter enterprise like Conor McGregor.
Ilia Topuria walks out together with his UFC belt and does the honorary kick-off for the Actual Madrid vs. Sevilla recreation on the Santiago Bernabeu.
Actual Madrid is the most important soccer workforce in Spain and essentially the most iconic on the planet. Their stadium sits 85,000. Large.pic.twitter.com/vGrYemr4Mr
— Danny Segura (@dannyseguratv) February 25, 2024
Throughout his rise as a 145 pound contender, a number of stars for Actual Madrid got here out in assist of Topuria. That in flip led to extra Spanish followers for the UFC fighter. By the point he earned his spot as No. 1 contender he appeared to have the complete nation behind him. It is going to be fascinating to see how mobilized Spain turns into now that “El Matador” has defeated Alexander Volkanovski and claimed UFC gold.
The UFC has stated they plan on touring to Spain to make the most of the groundswell of recognition that Topuria has, however nothing particular is confirmed but. No opponent has been settled on, both. Will it’s Alexander Volkanovski, who definitely deserves a rematch after years holding the title? Or will he take day off to recuperate from his second KO loss in lower than six months, opening the door for Brian Ortega or maybe Max Holloway?
There’s loads of thrilling choices for Ilia Topuria, and hopefully a stadium present at Santiago Bernabeu. The UFC is notoriously iffy on stadium reveals, however possibly Santiago Bernabeu’s retractable roof might ease a few of UFC CEO Dana White’s reluctance.
