UFC fighter Ilia Topuria, who has openly declared his support for Real Madrid, caught everyone off guard with his bold comments about Cristiano Ronaldo while offering high praise for Lionel Messi during his appearance on El Partidazo Cope.
While host Juanma Castaño discussed the possibility of fighting in Miami, a city known for its celebrity residents, Topuria, a proud Real Madrid supporter, responded with enthusiasm: “I love it. The one I’m definitely inviting since he lives there, is Messi. As for Cristiano, f*** him as long as Messi exists,” which drew applause and laughter from the crowd.
When Castaño expressed his surprise, saying, “I didn’t see this coming,” Topuria quickly responded, “Well, neither did [Max] Holloway and (Alexander) Volkanaski.” This remark was a direct jab at Ronaldo’s support for the American fighter, whom Topuria defeated last month at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi.
UFC Champion Ilia Topuria🗣️: “F*** Cristiano [Ronaldo] as long as Messi exists.”
Another victory for Messi!🙌🏻
pic.twitter.com/fR2FVxiF6n— Messi Tribute (@MessiTribute) December 10, 2024
Before the fight, Ronaldo was heard in an informal conversation, published by the PFL, expressing his preference for Holloway over Topuria. The Al Nassr forward commented that Topuria “talks too much” and hadn’t faced the top fighters. He added, “If he beats Max, I will respect him.”
Meanwhile, Topuria and Messi crossed paths in April when the UFC fighter was in Miami. The half-Georgian fighter has a close connection with Real Madrid, having been spotted in the VIP boxes at the Santiago Bernabeu and even presenting his world championship belt to the fans on the pitch. He was accompanied by another Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos at the UFC 308. However, his recent comments targeting one of the club’s most iconic legends may divide the opinions of Madridistas.
Recognized as the featherweight champion of the UFC, Topuria has made a remarkable ascent in the sport, drawing comparisons to legendary fighters such as Conor McGregor and Israel Adesanya. Since making his UFC debut in 2020, he’s torn through the competition with a 2024 campaign that would make any Fighter of the Year envious, taking down both Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway in consecutive matches.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
