UFC champion Ilia Topuria needs to struggle within the Bernabeu

Ilia Topuria has quickly proven he is the Real deal – and now he wants to break new ground by bringing the octagon to the Bernabeu.

The featherweight champion will make his first title defence at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi against the experienced Max Holloway this Saturday. In just his seventh fight in the company ‘El Matador’ KO’d Alexander Volkanovski, who had been champion since 2019, to lift the 145lb crown, in what seemed a changing-of-the-guard moment.

Part of his title-winning celebrations last February included being paraded on the pitch at Real Madrid before taking the ceremonial kick-off, with the 27-year-old vowing to return and put on a show worthy of the Galacticos.

Topuria, who was born in Germany, raised in Georgia before relocating to Spain, told the UFC: “The reception when I went back to Spain and when I went back to Georgia, it feels amazing when you get that kind of recognition from everyone.

“Big artists, big sportsmen, politicians, I keep having amazing moments all the time when I go out. It always feels amazing when you get that love and respect from the people.

“When Real Madrid called me to do the kick-off, I was very happy and excited and at the same time, in front of 90,000 people, it was like, ‘I have to bring the UFC here one day’. 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.”

For Topuria to realise his grand plans, he must first get past Hawaiian Holloway, a former world champion who made his company debut more than 10 years ago.

‘El Matador’ is bullish on his chances of victory, viewing his 32-year-old opponent, who is the ‘BMF’ champ, as too one-dimensional. Topuria, who is 15-0, added: “I represent the new generation of mixed martial arts. The goal is to be the first one to knock him out – and this is what’s going to happen. The world will realise who really is the best fighter in the world.

“We are working on many areas, while on the ground he doesn’t have anything, in the wrestling he doesn’t have anything – he does only striking. He represents a lot of problems, but the way I am working, there is no way that he is going to beat me. I’m the best fighter in the world. I am much better than him everywhere.

“I bring something that has never been seen in the UFC. I’m a complete fighter, so it doesn’t matter where the fight takes place, I know I am going to beat you up.”