“I’m a different person now,” Barcelona FC sensation Ferran Torres reveals life-altering encounter with UFC powerhouse Ilia Toporia

Ferran Torres of Barcelona FC shares a discussion with Spanish UFC fighter Ilia Topuria that changed his life.

“I’m a different person now,” Barcelona FC sensation Ferran Torres reveals life-altering encounter with UFC powerhouse Ilia Toporia

Ilia Topuria and Ferran Torres together ( Image via X )

Barcelona player Ferran Torres had a life-changing chat with UFC fighter Ilia Topuria during Torres’ time in the USA. Topuria seemed to have imparted valuable lessons on managing the mental side of sports. Ferran revealed their conversation offered insights into learning from defeats and overcoming challenges.

This experience, Torres claimed, influenced him profoundly, contributing to his growth both on and off the field. During his interview on The Wild Project podcast, Ferran Torres said:  

My mentality has changed a lot, I'm a different person now. I arrived as a Ferran and I returned as another... I want to be the best Ferran, I want to be like Ilia Topuria, I want to be indestructible.
Ferran Torres via Wild Project podcast
YouTube video

The interaction also highlighted the cross-disciplinary support within the sporting community. Ferran Torres and Sergio Ramos had previously attended a UFC match to support Topuria cage-side. They showed support for Ilia Topuria at UFC Jacksonville in June of 2023. The Spanish football icons met Topuria backstage at VyStars Veterans Memorial Arena, exchanging pleasantries and posing for pictures.

FS Video

Ilia Topuria has had a successful UFC career with an undefeated record of 14-0-0. Topuria’s UFC debut was in 2020, and he quickly gained attention with a professional record of 8-0 before joining the UFC. Topuria competes in the UFC featherweight division and holds the #5 position in the UFC featherweight rankings.

Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria will headline UFC 298 in 2024

UFC 298 is scheduled for February 2024 in Anaheim, California. Alexander Volkanovski will face Ilia Topuria in the featherweight title headliner. Many people think Topuria could dethrone Volkanovksi.

Alexander Volkanovski Ilia Topuria
Alexander Volkanovski vs Ilia Topuria for UFC 298 (Image via Imago / X)

UFC CEO Dana White officially confirmed the fight details on X (previously known as Twitter). Dana White also confirmed the venue for UFC 298 during the same announcement. Rising contender Ilia Topuria will fight his first UFC title fight with only six fights in the UFC. Topuria remains confident he will win against Volkanovski. Speaking on the Overdogs Podcast, he said:

 I'm gonna beat [Volkanovski] now on February 17. And then I'm gonna fight with Max Holloway here in Spain.
Ilia Topuria via Overdogs podcast.

Despite the recent setback, Volkanovski has remained adamant. Volkanovski has planned a busy schedule, aiming for his title defense against Topuria in 2024, followed by a rematch against Islam Makhachev at UFC 300. However, a trilogy fight against Makhachev remains unlikely.

In case you missed it!