On the night of February 18, fans of mixed martial arts (MMA) witnessed the birth of a new star. Spaniard of Georgian origin Ilia Topuria won the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight belt, literally destroying Alexander Volkanovski, who defended the title. “Matador” knocked out the famous Australian in the second round and took away the title from his opponent, which he had retained since 2019.
The daring champion did not waste time and immediately jumped on the hype wave. Standing in the Octagon with a belt around his waist, Topuria challenged Conor McGregor:
“
“If you still have balls, I’ll be waiting for you in Spain!”
UFC Head Dana White , seems pleased with the rise of the Matador. And he is ready to satisfy the request of the newly-minted featherweight king. No, no, Topuria will not get the Irishman, but Ilia is guaranteed a place in the main event of the tournament in Spain.
Success sent the fighter’s popularity into space. Zero defeats (record 15-0), bright style with strong “strike” and wrestling, young age coupled with amazing prospects… It is not surprising that in a few days the number of subscribers on Instagram (Meta’s activities (social networks Facebook and Instagram) is prohibited in Russia as extremist) has grown by a million — now more than 3.4 million people have subscribed to Matador.
And on the weekend before the start of the match between Real Madrid and Sevilla, the athlete, who is a fan of the royal club, struck a symbolic blow to the ball. And received a well-deserved ovation from the Santiago Bernabeu.
Having not yet had time to defend his title for the first time, the representative of Spain is already dreaming of the status of a double champion! Topuria moved up to lightweight to fight Russian Islam Makhachev, the best in the UFC rankings regardless of weight categories (P4P). The answer from the domestic athlete was not long in coming:
“»Another shorty who talks. Another shorty who wants to be crushed.» (MMA Uncensored)
Topuria was just waiting for this. Today he published a video on social networks in which Brazilian Adriano Martins knocks out Makhachev in 2015 and inflicts the first and only defeat on the Russian in his professional career. The caption for the video was in Georgian — it can be translated as “This guy knocked you out.”
Shortly, “Matador” mentioned another Russian who retired in October 2020 after a dominant victory over Justin Gaethje, Khabib Nurmagomedov . In an interview with Georgian TV presenter Noe Sulaberidze, Topuria said that he has no doubt about victory over “Eagle”:
“
“I would be glad to go into the octagon against Khabib Nurmagomedov. He has an undefeated record of 29-0 and that's what appeals to me. It would be a historic fight… I consider him a worthy and honorable champion. I am 100% confident that I will defeat him.»
In fact, Topuria should focus on another Russian. Undefeated Movsar Evloev has eight victories in the UFC and has long been eager to deprive the Spaniard of zero in the “defeat” column. However, Ilya does not seem to want to fight with a native of Ingushetia, choosing more eminent opponents for himself… But there is no doubt: another victory for Movsar, and the well-deserved “title” will be received.
“
"Conor, Islam, Khabib, Floyd Mayweather, Muhammad Ali, Lionel Messi… Who else do you want to fight besides the only undefeated fighter in your division? — Evloev is perplexed, warming up a possible meeting of unbeaten featherweights.
* * *UPD:On Tuesday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that Topuria will soon receive citizenship of the country . The official held a meeting with the newly crowned UFC champion.
“
"This morning I received Ilia Topuria, the new UFC featherweight world champion. Your efforts, dedication and perseverance have led you to achieve your dreams. Your second dream will become a reality very soon. Your love for Spain will be reflected in the passport of a citizen of our country,” Sanchez wrote on Instagram (the activities of Meta (social networks Facebook and Instagram) are prohibited in Russia as extremist).
Свежие комментарии