Ilia Topuria has firmly put Spanish MMA on the map following his sensational third-round knockout over Max Holloway at UFC 308.
The pair collided on a stacked card in Abu Dhabi, where Khamzat Chimaev put the middleweight scene on notice with his stunning submission over seasoned operator Robert Whittaker.
But it was Ilia Topuria who, in many ways, stole yesterday’s action-packed show, proving to the world that he carries the power to halt one of the sport’s most durable campaigners.
However, there were perhaps none more ecstatic with the 27-year-old’s performance than Spanish football icon Sergio Ramos, who hailed his countryman’s comprehensive UFC featherweight title defense.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC Sergio Ramos expresses his excitement following Ilia Topuria’s victory
Prior to their showdown, many felt that this was a 50-50 matchup, with Max Holloway moving back down to 145 lbs in a bid to reclaim his old strap.
With Topuria still boasting an unbeaten record, though, it ultimately proved to be the perfect crossroads fight for the pound-for-pound star.
Rounds one and two delivered several spells of compelling back-and-forth action, as the two formidable strikers opted to trade in an enthralling phone booth-style spectacle.
But in the end, Topuria’s power proved to be too much for the American, who faltered in the third round after taking a destructive left hand flush on the jaw.
And so, with his good friend and fellow athlete watching on from cageside, the Spaniard was immediately embraced by an elated Sergio Ramos.
Will Ilia Topuria vs Alexander Volkanovski 2 take place in Madrid?
Topuria, who is an avid supporter of European football giants Real Madrid, has demanded a homecoming fight in Spain’s capital since beating Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight crown.
The prolific knockout artist dethroned the UFC legend earlier this year, when he scored another pulverizing stoppage at UFC 298.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Since then, Volkanivski has been clamoring for a rematch, suggesting that the pair could lock horns at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia, where the 36-year-old is hoping to stage his next outing.
And yet, while he is keen to give the Australian a shot at his trinket, Topuria has confirmed that their second encounter will not take place on away soil.
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