MMA fans have given their reactions to UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria being introduced before a Real Madrid match.
Topuria’s stock has been soaring, and it’s at an all-time high following his second-round knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. In Spain, “El Matador” has emerged as a superstar.
That much was evident by his appearance inside Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Fans Respond After Ilia Topuria Is Welcomed At Real Madrid Match
Now that Topuria has made his big homecoming, MMA fans have weighed in on the special moment.
He really does have the McGregor aura
— Super Fan🇮🇪 (@McGregorRousey2) February 25, 2024
“He really does have the McGregor aura.”
“This man is going to defend as many times as he wants to over the next 3+ years if he stays at featherweight. After he has cleared out the division, many are gonna say he can’t move up because he’s “too small” – this is when we get a dog price on him again.”
Easily the biggest star in the sport rn. Mcgregor half retired, Jon half retired, Islam only other mega star and he doesn’t have this motion.
— Sal🏕️🌊 (@SSavior17) February 25, 2024
“Easily the biggest star in the sport rn. Mcgregor half retired, Jon half retired, Islam only other mega star and he doesn’t have this motion.”
Bro actually a bigger star than O’Malley
— Lamb Sauce Will (@LambSauceWill) February 25, 2024
“Bro actually a bigger star than O’Malley.”
I don't even follow football that much .. but I know just how big of a moment this is .. fair play to Ilia ! Enjoy it …
— RedWolf🐺 (@RedWolfMMA) February 25, 2024
“I don’t even follow football that much .. but I know just how big of a moment this is .. fair play to Ilia ! Enjoy it …”
This is cool but I want everybody to understand this is specifically because he is the champ. It's not his personality or trash talk. It is literally only because he is from Spain & is a UFC champion. No offense but same thing as Jiri P. It all goes away as fast as it came. pic.twitter.com/1qial4VM6G
— Birds By A Billion🦅🏆🏆 (@SeeUSoonBoyy) February 25, 2024
“This is cool but I want everybody to understand this is specifically because he is the champ. It’s not his personality or trash talk. It is literally only because he is from Spain & is a UFC champion. No offense but same thing as Jiri P. It all goes away as fast as it came.”
There’s no telling how far Ilia Topuria will go, but for now, he’s been garnering a ton of buzz. He already has aspirations of challenging for the UFC Lightweight Championship. The current titleholder is Islam Makhachev, who is expected to defend his gold against the winner of UFC 300’s Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan bout.
One day at a time, as they say.
