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UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria once again hit back at Portugal football icon Cristiano Ronaldo after the latter criticised him. Earlier in October, Ronaldo had made some comments on Topuria before UFC 308. The footballer, who is a fan of MMA himself, had backed former champion Max Holloway to beat Topuria in the UFC Featherweight Championship, held on October 26. Notably, Topuria, who moved to Spain during his youth became a Real Madrid fan during Ronaldo’s stint with the Spanish club.
Before Topuria’s first title defence, Ronaldo interacted with former UFC heavyweight Francis Nagannou and his coach, Eirc Nicksick and said that Topuria “speaks too much” and he “didn’t fight with the top guys.” Ronaldo said, “I like Max, he's a tough guy. '[Topuria] speaks too much.” I think when he beat Volk [Alexander Volkanovski], Volk wasn't [ready] because of that kick [from Islam Makhachev], didn't recover.” He added, “But [Topuria] didn't fight with the top guys.”
We have Messi, Ronaldo can f*** himself: Ilia Topuria reacts to Al-Nassr captain’s comments
Topuria, who became Spain’s first UFC champion when he defeated long-reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in February, reacted to the football icon’s comments. He claimed that Ronaldo was “unable to distinguish between confidence and arrogance.” Not only this, but he also extended an invitation to Ronaldo’s arch-rival Lionel Messi for his next fight.
Topuria told El Partidazo de Cope, “I saw a clip where he said that I’m all talk. Cristiano, he always got something to say. I’m going to personally invite Messi because he lives there. I would like to fight the number one contender, who is Charles Oliveira. We have Messi, Ronaldo can f*** himself.” The 27-year-old’s next fight could take place in Miami next year.
