“Guy from Spain is world champion!” Dana White gives green signal for UFC Spain at 81,000 seater Santiago Bernabeu headlined by Ilia Topuria

UFC's new champion Ilia Topuria eyes historic title defense in Spain, with Dana White expressing interest in a Santiago Bernabeu showdown, signaling a landmark moment for Spanish MMA.

“Guy from Spain is world champion!” Dana White gives green signal for UFC Spain at 81,000 seater Santiago Bernabeu headlined by Ilia Topuria

Dana White looks to take UFC to Spain with an Ilia Topuria headlining PPV (Image via: IMAGO, Instagram)

Ilia Topuria represents both Georgia and Spain. He was born to Georgian parents in Germany but has resided in Spain since he was 15 years old. Spain holds a special place in his heart, which was evident at UFC 298. After he defeated Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, he called for a title defense in Spain. UFC CEO Dana White also seemed interested in the idea at the post-fight press conference of UFC 298.

Topuria had earlier expressed his interest in fighting in Spain, particularly at Real Madrid Football Club’s stadium Santiago Bernabeu. At the post-fight press conference, a Spanish reporter inquired whether the UFC had any plans to make Topuria’s first title defense at Bernabeu and whether it would be a PPV event. This is what White replied.

I like it sounds good yeah sounds good.... guy from Spain (Ilia Topuria) is a world champion yes it would be a pay-per-view.
Dana White via UFC 298 press conference
YouTube video

Dana White also inquired with the reporter about Bernabeu’s stadium capacity. The reporter replied that it could hold 81,000 people in a soccer game. Moreover, he also explained that Benrabeu could hold more than 30,000 people if converted into an indoor venue.

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Topuria eyed for a fight with Conor McGregor after victory over Volkanovski. However, Dana White did not think McGregor would ever make 145lbs again. Moreover, he also hinted that there is a possibility that McGregor would never fight inside the octagon.

Dana White revealed one more title fight in the works for UFC 300

The UFC had announced the fight between Jamahal Hill and Alex Pereira for the main event of UFC 300. Fans did not like the fight to be the main event, and they made their thoughts known on social media. Nonetheless, White stated that the fight was extremely good.

Dana White
Dana White (via Forbes)

White also stated that they have one more fight to make at UFC 300. He stated that it was for the co-main event. Before the main event announcement, fans thought that the BMF title fight between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway was the co-main event. However, White has thrown another wrench in the equation.

White also revealed that the UFC’s original plan was to make a fight that involved Leon Edwards as the main event. However, it did not materialize. Nonetheless, White hailed Edwards as the British champion agreed to fight three different opponents that the UFC offered. White had earlier stated that he would soon announce Belal Muhammad vs. Leon Edwards but was uncommittable about it at the UFC 298 press conference.

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