UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria was given a hero’s welcome ahead of Real Madrid’s match with Sevilla on Sunday evening.
The Georgian-born MMA fighter, who moved to Alicante with his family 15 years ago, became the first Spanish champion in UFC history earlier this month.
Topuria brought UFC gold to Spain for the first timeCredit: Getty
‘El Matador’ stretched his perfect professional record to 15-0 with a sensational second-round knockout win against long-time champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298.
UFC CEO Dana White immediately suggested Topuria could defend his belt at the Santiago Bernabeu and eight days later he walked out to a rousing reception at the 81,044-capacity stadium.
Applause from fans and players echoed around the iconic venue as the 145lb UFC titleholder brought his belt onto the pitch before taking the ceremonial kick-off.
Topuria got a big pre-game hug from Sergio Ramos before meeting all the players after Real Madrid stretched their lead at the top of La Liga to eight points with a 1-0 win.
Jude Bellingham missed the game with an injury, but the English midfielder was sure to get a picture with Topuria and his UFC belt after the game.
Topuria also posed with Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos, Eduardo Camavinga, and Éder Militão.
The 27-year-old even got to meet Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
Topuria will continue his victory tour for a little longer before refocusing on fighting.
Ramos is a massive UFC fanCredit: Getty
Bellingham led a long list of Real Madrid players keen to meet TopuriaCredit: @iliatopuria – instagram
A list of top featherweight contenders are lining up to fight him, but it’s currently unclear if Volkanvoski will be given a rematch after holding the title since 2019.
Brian Ortega potentially put himself next in line with a slick submission win over former interim champion Yair Rodriguez at UFC Mexico City this past weekend.
Max Holloway is also eager to face Topuria after his BMF title bout with lightweight contender Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in Las Vegas on April 13.
It may come down to who is willing to travel to Spain to face Topuria, potentially at the Bernabeu this summer after Real Madrid have run their 2023/24 race.