A devoted fan of Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo, UFC star Ilia Topuria, the current -66 kg champion, has changed sides. Visibly irritated by a criticism from the 39-year-old Portuguese striker, who recently called him a loudmouth, the MMA fighter made an explosive statement this Monday in Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo never misses an opportunity to stand out when it comes to speaking his mind. On and off the pitch, the Portuguese forward does everything to remain in the spotlight. Recently, during an MMA event, the former Real Madrid player openly criticised Ilia Topuria, accusing him of talking far too much. Informed about the remarks from the player he once admired, the UFC fighter responded sharply: “I didn’t expect someone like you to be unable to tell the difference between self-confidence and arrogance,” he fumed in October.
Ilia Topuria insults Cristiano Ronaldo
Ahead of his next fight, scheduled to take place in Miami next February, the fighter, who boasts a record of 16 wins and 0 losses, appeared on Cadena Cope radio on Monday evening. When asked about the star he would invite to his upcoming title defence, Ilia Topuria stood out by siding with CR7’s eternal rival and all Barcelona fans.
“The person I’ll invite personally, because he lives there, is Messi,” Topuria declared while speaking on Cadena Cope on Monday evening in Spain. “As long as Messi exists, Cristiano can go to hell,” he added, sparking an explosion of laughter in the studio. “I didn’t see that one coming,” reacted Juanma Castaño, the show’s host, to which Topuria replied: “Neither did Volkanovski and Holloway (both ardent Barça supporters).”
Although the Spanish fighter of Georgian origin’s comments have caused a stir, it should be noted that it might simply be a verbal jab at the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. Despite his digs at Cristiano Ronaldo, Topuria remains a staunch Real Madrid fan. In fact, he hopes to fight at the Santiago Bernabéu in the coming months. Recently, he was welcomed by Real Madrid’s management and players after winning the belt in his category on 17 February 2024 against Alexander Volkanovski.
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