“F**k Cristiano!” Ilia Topuria reignites CR7 beef; picks Messi as guest for UFC Miami card
UFC Miami PPV card interests featherweight champion Ilia Topuria as he has a footballing GOAT to invite for his next fight.
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Ilia Topuria reignites beef with CR7 with a wild take (Image via Imago/X)
Ilia Topuria’s run in 2024 remained nothing short of magical. The Spanish star is known to be an outspoken fighter with a habit of backing it up. However, not everyone takes a liking to pre-fight war of words in a positive stride. This is exactly what gave birth to a strange beef between legendary footballer Cristano Ronaldo and the featherweight kingpin.
MMA fans are well aware of CR7’s love for combat sports, as the Al Nassr forward has attended various events. Topuria fired back at CR7 over his past comments. Topuria, in his latest interview, was quizzed about his stance on fighting in the Miami card and who he might like to invite as a guest. The UFC featherweight champion re-ignited his beef with Ronaldo with his reply.
The person I am personally going to invite is Messi because he lives in Miami. So f**k Cristiano as long as Messi exists.
Ilia Topuria via Exclusive interview for El Partidazo de COPE
Interestingly, both Ronaldo and Ilia Topuria share a common love for Real Madrid. In his younger days, Ronaldo dreamed about playing in the White jersey, and it is something he went on to fulfill. Similarly, Topuria also made a pledge to be a UFC champion, and destroyed legends to achieve it. Much like CR7, the Spaniard went on to turn his prediction into reality.
??Ilia Topuria is RUTHLESS
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 10, 2024
Ilia: “F#ck Cristiano as long as Messi exists”
Presenter: “I didn’t see this one coming, Ilia”
Ilia: “Volkanovski and Holloway didn’t see it coming either”
?@partidazocope ? pic.twitter.com/dixly8nteU
CR7 suspected UFC 294 knockout angle behind Alexander Volkanovski’s lackluster performance against Topuria. This happened during his conversation with Francis Ngannou and Eric Nicksick at a PFL event. Later, Ronaldo admitted that he would have to respect Topuria if he defeated Max Holloway at UFC 308. ‘El Matador’ went on to prove his naysayers wrong and now intends to take the next step in his career.
Ilia Topuria eyes UFC Miami card with Charles Oliveira as the opponent
Topuria has previously laid down his dream of becoming the first three-weight world champion in the UFC. The 27-year-old fighter is leaning towards an early retirement in the next 3 years. In this short time frame, he intends to take over not one, but two weight classes. A takeover of this nature hasn’t been witnessed ever in the UFC.
In a recent sit-down interview, Topuria wished to embark on his three-weight title aspiration in 2025. Hinting at vacating the featherweight throne, the Spanish star is eyeing the number 1 contender clash with Charles Oliveira. Islam Makhachev is set to defend his title on January 18th, which could leave some room for ‘El Matador’ vs ‘Do Bronx’ later in the year.
Since Islam is going to fight in January and he is not going to be ready for April/May, I would like to fight the 1 contender, which is Charles Oliveira.
Ilia Topuria via Exclusive interview for El Partidazo de COPE
? Ilia Topuria wants to return in April/May and fight Charles Oliveira at lightweight ?
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 9, 2024
"Since Islam is going to fight in January and he is not going to be ready for April/May, I would like to fight the #1 contender which is Charles Oliveira."
(via. @partidazocope) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/A485Tx1eZe
UFC is set to return to Miami sometime in the first half of 2025. Miami’s own Jorge Masvidal has showcased interest in getting on the card. Moreover, Topuria’s return to 155-pounds could mark the end of his title run in the featherweight division. All these ideas are still up in the air as the final decision lies in the hands of the UFC brass.
Related: Ilia Topuria Net Worth, UFC Contract, Endorsements, and House
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Ayank Chourasia
(95 Articles Published)