Real Madrid fan Topuria emerges as UFC’s ‘Galactico’

As Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid on Saturday, there was a Spaniard in Abu Dhabi making sure football’s El Clasico wouldn’t dominate every headline in Spain the following morning.

Not only did Ilia Topuria beat Max Holloway to retain his featherweight title at UFC 308, he inflicted the first knockout defeat of the American’s glittering career.

The 27-year-old’s devastating performance and first defence of his belt means he will be celebrated in Spain, and not for the first time.

After dethroning Alexander Volkanovski in February to become Spain’s first UFC champion, Topuria appeared on the front page of Spanish publication Marca – a rare feat for an MMA fighter in a country where football dominates the sporting agenda.

Topuria, who also represents Georgia after being born to Georgian parents, then met Spain’s president Pedro Sanchez, who granted him Spanish citizenship, external for his achievements.

And later, Topuria, a big Real Madrid fan, was paraded at the club’s Bernabeu stadium before a game in front of 75,000 fans.

When Real spend mega money on world-class footballers they are dubbed as ‘Galacticos’.

Does the UFC have a Galactico of their own in Topuria?

“Topuria did something nobody has ever done before. He’s legit. If you questioned the guy after Volk, you can’t question him now,” said UFC president Dana White.

“When you keep clipping legends you become a legend, he’s on the right path.”

‘We need to get to Spain quickly’

The UFC has long been searching for its next global star after Conor McGregor elevated MMA into the mainstream just under 10 years ago.

Sean O’Malley had been earmarked by the promotion after winning bantamweight gold last August, but defeat by Merab Dvalishvili last month halted the American’s momentum.

Popular light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has had a remarkable year, defending his title three times, but at 37 the Brazilian is in the latter stages of his career.

There is a void to fill while McGregor’s comeback continues to be delayed and at 27, Topuria is better positioned than many to fill it.

He doesn’t have the same charisma as the Irishman, but inside the octagon the Spaniard is equally as impressive, with UFC commentator Daniel Cormier adding he hadn’t seen knockout power like Topuria’s at featherweight since McGregor.

While watching McGregor fight in his prime it felt like a viral moment was inevitable, and Topuria evokes a similar feeling when he competes.

Since debuting in 2015 he has won all 16 of his fights, while finishing 14 of his opponents.

White also sees the value in what Topuria’s star power in Spain can bring to the UFC.

The UFC rarely host events at stadiums, but White says he is willing to make an exception for Topuria, touting Madrid or Barcelona as possibilities.

“When you look at the performance Topuria had tonight, we need to get to Spain quickly,” said White.

“I hate going to soccer stadiums, I like going to arenas better. But if that’s what we’ve got to do, that’s what we’ve got to do.”

Topuria had Real legend Sergio Ramos shadowing him during fight week, with the footballer by his side for the ceremonial weigh-ins before watching his win over Holloway at octagon-side.

Is it only a matter of time until we see stars like Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham following in Ramos’ footsteps?

For Topuria, the answer is yes.

“When Real Madrid called me I was very happy and excited and at the same time, it was like, ‘I have to bring the UFC here one day’,” said Topuria.

“The UFC has always been very big and recognised in Spain, and it helps a lot that I have become a UFC world champion. The people have someone they can relate to.”