It’s been a year since that historic knockout that changed the landscape of Spanish sports. Specifically, the one that catapulted mixed martial arts into the spotlight. Ilia Topuria’s victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 is still fresh in our minds. The “Matador” made history by becoming the first Spanish fighter to be crowned World UFC champion.
Topuria’s entrance into the big league was nothing short of impressive. His first assault was a cautious one, measuring his opponent, followed by a devastating knockout blow that left Volkanovski reeling. The latter, often regarded as the greatest of all time in the featherweight division, simply couldn’t withstand Topuria’s onslaught. At just 27 years old, Topuria became the youngest champion in the company, a testament to his remarkable skill and technique.
What’s striking about Topuria is his exceptional boxing skills, arguably the best in the entire UFC. Even renowned coach Javier Méndez, who works with Islam Makhachev, has sung his praises. Topuria’s subsequent knockout of Max Holloway in October only served to reinforce his reputation as a formidable force in the ring.
A ‘happy birthday’ to celebrate it
So, how did Topuria commemorate this iconic day? He celebrated with his family, singing “happy birthday” and stroking his champion belt, with a candle lit to mark the anniversary of his title win. The video, which features his wife Giorgina Uzcategui and their two children, Hugo and little Giorgina, is a heartwarming glimpse into the champion’s personal life.
In the span of just one year, Topuria has transformed from a title contender to one of the most recognizable faces in the UFC. His impressive social media following, with 6.6 million followers on Instagram, is a testament to his growing popularity. Still the youngest champion in the UFC at 28, Topuria’s environment says this is just the beginning.
As we wait with bated breath for his next fight to be officially announced, the question on everyone’s mind is: will he defend his title in the featherweight division or make a bold move to the lightweight category, gunning for a double championship? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Ilia Topuria is a force to be reckoned with in the world of mixed martial arts.
