UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria has achieved a lot of firsts on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage, from ending Alexander Volkanovski’s unbeaten run at 145 pounds to becoming the first to sleep the previously unbreakable Max Holloway.
Now, “El Matador” might have just become the first UFC champ to serenade their belt by signing Happy Birthday to it…
Topuria posted a hilarious video (h/t @mma_orbit) of him and his wife’s unique celebration on the one-year anniversary of his memorable championship victory in Anaheim last February.
Ilia Topuria and his family singing happy birthday to his UFC featherweight title
Today is the year anniversary of #UFC298 when he knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to capture the gold
pic.twitter.com/2tbZdjZbS6
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) February 17, 2025
The Spaniard reached the top of the featherweight division as an undefeated fighter at UFC 298, which he headlined in competition for Volkanovski’s gold.
Topuria made good on his prediction to leave the Australian unconscious, shutting his lights out in round two to begin a new era for the weight class.
After a similarly violent display opposite Max Holloway last October, it remains to be seen what lies ahead for “El Matador” in 2025. While Volkanovski has staked his claim for a rematch, the champ has been vocal in outlining his two-division ambitions.