Ilia Topuria’s enthusiasm for soccer extends beyond his native Spain.
The undefeated UFC featherweight champion had the privilege of meeting soccer icon and World Cup winner Lionel Messi on Saturday at the Chase Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, during Inter Miami’s home game against Colorado.
A devoted supporter of Real Madrid, Topuria, a fervent soccer fan, expressed his admiration for Messi.
“With one of the biggest legends in the history of sports,” Topuria shared on Instagram. “He’s a great example for me and a role model for everyone.”
Topuria solidified his status as a rising star in MMA when he claimed the UFC featherweight title in February, delivering a knockout blow to the revered Alexander Volkanovski in the main event of UFC 298. With his undefeated record, Topuria is swiftly emerging as one of the most prominent figures in both the MMA world and the broader sporting community across Spain and Europe.
While no official announcement has been made, there’s speculation that the UFC might consider hosting an event in Spain, buoyed by Topuria’s ascent. Topuria dreams of defending his 145-pound belt at the Santiago Bernabéu, the esteemed home ground of Real Madrid.
