Ilia Topuria Gets Honored by Real Madrid

Undefeated UFC Champion Ilia Topuria takes kick off at Bernabeu

First Round Management client Ilia Topuria was greeted with enthusiastic cheers from Real Madrid fans as he stepped onto the field at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium before Sunday’s La Liga soccer match against Sevilla. The undefeated fighter received a hero’s welcome upon returning to Spain, having secured the title as the country’s first champion by knocking out the longstanding featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, at UFC 298.

Topuria had the honor of taking a ceremonial kick-off in front of nearly 75,000 fans. Prior to that moment, he basked in a hero’s welcome while entering the stadium. Proudly displaying his new UFC belt slung over his right shoulder.

Topuria walked onto the field exchanging handshakes with Madrid captain Nacho and referee Isidro Diaz de Mera Escuderos, and receiving a warm greeting from club legend turned Sevilla skipper Sergio Ramos.

Advancing to the center circle, Topuria handed his belt to referee Escuderos and delivered a quick salute, and concluded the ceremonial kick-off.