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New UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria was honored in his dwelling nation right now as he received to participate within the ceremonial kickoff to start out Actual Madrid’s soccer recreation in opposition to Sevilla.
The sport befell on the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, the 85,000 seat dwelling of Actual Madrid. Topuria has aspired to battle there someday, and given his rising reputation in Spain, it simply could come collectively later this 12 months.
Topuria made his look in a swimsuit carrying his new title over his shoulder. After shaking arms with members of each Actual Madrid and Sevilla, he gave a pleasant correct kick of the ball — no off kilter business like Conor McGregor.
Ilia Topuria walks out along 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 largest soccer crew in Spain and probably the most iconic on the earth. 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 all the nation behind him. Will probably be attention-grabbing 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 traveling 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 actually deserves a rematch after years holding the title? Or will he take day off to get better 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 exhibits, however possibly Santiago Bernabeu’s retractable roof may ease a few of UFC CEO Dana White’s reluctance.
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