Ilia Topuria, after defeating the Featherweight Goat Alex Volkanovski and becoming the UFC featherweight world champion with a record of 15-0, has returned to Spain to a hero's welcome. The win has sparked significant interest in MMA within Spain, indicating the growth of the sport in new markets. Topuria's brother has also signed, further highlighting the 'Topuria effect' in Spain. A video of Topuria giving himself a pep talk before his walkout at UFC 298, saying "It’s time to fulfill the dream. All good things are on the other side of fear. It’s written… I’m going to win spectacularly", has circulated, showcasing his determination and mindset before the fight. His arrival at Madrid airport was met with significant attention from fans and media, underlining his newfound status as a national sports hero.
The Champion, Ilia Topuria, is welcomed home by crowds at Madrid airport 🇪🇸 🏆 📹: @relevo #UFC298 https://t.co/D2QAnZqGxE
The Champions Ilia Topuria is welcomed home by crowds at Madrid airport 🇪🇸🏆 📹:@relevo #UFC298 https://t.co/D2QAnZqGxE
Ilia Topuria arrives in Madrid, Spain 🇪🇸 https://t.co/cccCbuYpui
Ilia Topuria arrives to a hero’s welcome at Madrid airport 🇪🇸🏆 🎥 @relevo #UFC298 https://t.co/jwqLIRN9Qi
Ilia Topuria returns to Spain with the UFC featherweight world title and is greeted with a warm embrace from his fans. 👀🇪🇸 https://t.co/c28raz0XuV
This video of Ilia Topuria giving himself a pep talk before his walkout at #UFC298 will give you goosebumps. “It’s time to fulfill the dream. All good things are on the other side of fear. It’s written… I’m going to win spectacularly” https://t.co/5jscnom3SU
Ilia Topuria is now 15-0 and a UFC world champion after defeating arguably the Featherweight Goat Alex Volkanovski. When Khabib Nurmagomedov went 15-0 he defeated Vadim Sandulitsky, who had a record of 0-0. https://t.co/BEhaEK6ZJI
The Topuria affect is sweeping over Spain 🇪🇸 right now. Always exciting when a new market latches on to MMA #UFC298 #MMA #MMATwitter https://t.co/Ca3xU0qDKH
ilia topuria’s bro just signed 😁 https://t.co/jZyyjxA5Bx