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, the place Khamzat Chimaev put the middleweight scene on discover along with his stunning submission over seasoned operator Robert Whittaker.
However it was Ilia Topuria who, in some ways, stole yesterday’s action-packed present, proving to the world that he carries the facility to halt one of many sport’s most sturdy campaigners.
Nonetheless, there have been maybe none extra ecstatic with the 27-year-old’s efficiency than Spanish soccer icon Sergio Ramos, who hailed his countryman’s complete UFC featherweight title protection.
Sergio Ramos expresses his pleasure following Ilia Topuria’s victory
Previous to their showdown, many felt that this was a 50-50 matchup, with Max Holloway shifting again right down to 145 lbs in a bid to reclaim his previous strap.
With Topuria nonetheless boasting an unbeaten file, although, it finally proved to be the proper crossroads combat for the pound-for-pound star.
Rounds one and two delivered a number of spells of compelling back-and-forth motion, as the 2 formidable strikers opted to commerce in an enthralling telephone booth-style spectacle.
However ultimately, Topuria’s energy proved to be an excessive amount of for the American, who faltered within the third spherical after taking a harmful left hand flush on the jaw.
And so, along with his good pal and fellow athlete watching on from cageside, the Spaniard was instantly embraced by an elated Sergio Ramos.
Will Ilia Topuria vs Alexander Volkanovski 2 happen in Madrid?
Topuria, who’s an avid supporter of European soccer giants Actual Madrid, has demanded a homecoming combat in Spain’s capital since beating Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight crown.
The prolific knockout artist dethroned the UFC legend earlier this yr, when he scored one other pulverizing stoppage at UFC 298.
Since then, Volkanivski has been clamoring for a rematch, suggesting that the pair may lock horns at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia, the place the 36-year-old is hoping to stage his subsequent outing.
And but, whereas he’s eager to provide the Australian a shot at his trinket, Topuria has confirmed that their second encounter won’t happen on away soil.
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