Once in a decade, a fighter like Ilia Topuria emerges, someone who doesn’t just win but dominates everyone in his path, capturing the spotlight with hype, fame, and undeniable talent. The last time the world saw this kind of meteoric rise was Conor McGregor. Now, it’s ‘El Matador’ making his country tune in to every UFC event. According to recent reports, his fight against Charles Oliveira drew record-breaking viewership in Spain, matching the numbers of a Real Madrid match, a staggering milestone.
As per ESPN’s post, a Spanish reporter told the UFC President that UFC 317, despite airing at 6:00 AM in Spain, matched the viewership of a Real Madrid game. Notably, the legendary soccer club is the most followed sports team globally with over 176 million Instagram followers, highlighting just how massive Topuria’s impact is becoming. He’s dominating in the cage and emerging as a global superstar with crossover appeal beyond MMA.
A Spanish reporter told Dana White after #UFC317 that the viewership for Ilia Topuria’s fight against Charles Oliveira at 6:00 AM was comparable to a Real Madrid match in Spain 🤯
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 30, 2025
Real Madrid are the most followed sports team in the world with over 176 million followers on… pic.twitter.com/kLRWWlWz4l
Indeed, Ilia Topuria has skyrocketed to superstardom. From making waves in the NFL world to meeting the President of Spain, his influence stretches far beyond the Octagon. He’s not just a UFC champion—he’s a national icon. With millions of followers across social media, Topuria is becoming one of the most recognizable faces in combat sports.
Demetrious Johnson Predicts Early Retirement For Ilia Topuria
‘Mighty Mouse’ believes Topuria is a rare talent in MMA and predicts that his career might be shorter than expected. According to Johnson, Topuria could fight just a few more times, possibly three to five, before walking away from the sport on his terms. With the potential to win titles at 145, 155, and even 170 pounds, Johnson sees Topuria as someone who could follow in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s footsteps: retire undefeated without needing to prove anything further.
Indeed, the Georgian-Spaniard fighter has hinted multiple times that he doesn’t plan to fight for long. Ilia Topuria has been vocal about taking an early retirement, aiming to walk away at the top of his game. His mindset mirrors a few rare champions who value legacy over longevity. With his dominance inside the cage and massive popularity outside of it, Topuria seems focused on making a lasting impact before stepping away on his terms.
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Also Read: Ilia Topuria Shares Secret On How His Vulnerability Is Making Him Attain Greatness
