The emergence of Ilia Topuria, boastingly undefeated at 16-0, extends far beyond his professional career and the multitude of successes he’s achieved in the UFC. ‘El Matador’ has also forged a strategic alliance with WOW FC, a thriving Spanish promoter, allowing fans to catch more glimpses of the Spanish sensation at the company’s events – a trend that was evident on February 15th in Bilbao. As a key figure and stakeholder in WOW FC, Topuria and his team are deeply invested in elevating the status of mixed martial arts in their home country.
On March 29th, WOW and Topuria are set to make a thunderous return with ‘WOW 17′, which will take place at the prestigious Madrid Arena. The main event will feature a highly anticipated showdown between Miguel Ángel Colombo, undefeated at 7-0, and Umakhan Ibragimov, boasting an impressive 8-1 record. In anticipation of this spectacle, Topuria and WOW recently hosted a press conference in Madrid, where they unveiled an innovative concept designed to grant fans a deeper understanding of the fighters’ stories and the underlying rivalries that fuel their passions. “Today marks the first time we’re introducing this concept,” Topuria explained, “with the goal of allowing you to connect with the story of these fighters, to uncover the rivalry that drives them, and to enhance your overall experience on the day of the event.”
Topuria expressed his enthusiasm for WOW, noting that the organization has exceeded his expectations, particularly in Bilbao, where the reception was overwhelmingly positive. He revealed that the sport is gaining momentum and that their plans are centered around continued growth, providing a platform for fighters to thrive. Moreover, Topuria hinted at the introduction of championship titles in WOW, with a significant announcement slated for March 27th. He also emphasized that exceptional performances will be rewarded with bonuses, serving as a testament to the organization’s commitment to nurturing talent.
Reflecting on his own journey, Topuria acknowledged that having a platform like WOW during his early days would have accelerated his ascent to the UFC. He empathized with the current crop of fighters, stating, “If WOW had existed during my time, I would have reached the UFC sooner. I had to travel extensively, and it was a costly and challenging experience. I believe each of the fighters here shares that dream, and now they have a platform that offers immense exposure, with the UFC taking notice.”
When questioned about the upcoming bout between Volkanovski and Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight title, Topuria offered a mix of sentiments. “Predicting the future, especially for our children, is complex. I wish both fighters good luck, but everyone knows who reigns supreme in that division. I’ve left them a toy to play with, as it’s no longer important to me.” This statement not only underscored Topuria’s confidence in his own abilities but also his perspective on the current landscape of the sport.
Beyond the main event, other intriguing matchups, such as Hecher Sosa and Teo Bashford vs. Nikolay Grozdev, are generating considerable buzz for the upcoming event. Topuria’s comments during the press conference have further heightened the anticipation, as fans and media alike eagerly await the unfolding drama at WOW 17. With its unique blend of talent, rivalry, and innovation, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.