Famous soccer superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, now finds himself in a war of words with UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria after questioning his championship mettle before UFC 308 last weekend.
Ronaldo, who is one of the most popular professional athletes of all time, frequently attends some of the biggest combat events put together. From massive UFC fights to larger-than-life boxing cards in Saudi Arabia, the 39-year-old international phenom always seems to be surrounding himself with the best fighters in the world.
Earlier this month, Ronaldo joined former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou as he made his official Professional Fighters League (PFL) debut. Ronaldo was there to show support for “Predator” in his return to MMA, but they ended up discussing Topuria’s matchup with Max Holloway at UFC 308. It was pegged as one of the biggest fights of 2024 and a true test for Topuria, who was coming off a spectacular knockout finish over Alexander Volkanovski back in February.
Ronaldo went on to say that he thinks Topuria talks too much and that he needs to prove himself against Holloway to earn his respect. Check it out below:
Cristiano Ronaldo was picking Max Holloway to beat Ilia Topuria:
“[Topuria] speaks too much… I think when he [beat] Volk, Volk wasn’t [ready] because of that kick…
[Topuria] didn’t fight with the top guys. If he beats Max, I will respect.”
@PFLMMApic.twitter.com/kLTps7MUyK
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 1, 2024
“[Topuria] speaks too much,” said Ronaldo. “I think when he [beat] Volk, Volk wasn’t [ready] because of that kick…
“[Topuria] didn’t fight with the top guys. If he beats Max, I will respect.”
As you may know, Topuria went on to become the first person to ever knockout Holloway. The two featherweights went toe-to-toe atop the UFC 308 pay-per-view (PPV) card before Topuria landed one of his patented power punches in the third round and put an end to Holloway’s latest attempt at UFC gold. It was one of the most impressive title defenses in recent memory and a win that may put “El Matador” ahead of reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira in the race for 2024’s Fighter of the Year.
In typical Topuria fashion, he jumped on social media on Saturday to respond to Ronaldo’s comments and remind fight fans of his undying confidence as one of the best fighters in the world. Check it out below:
I didn’t expect someone like you to be unable to distinguish between confidence and arrogance. But, at the end of the day, we all reflect our own reality onto others. I wish you the best for what remains of your career, and God bless your family. https://t.co/cGWYvCs2tr
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) November 2, 2024
“I didn’t expect someone like you to be unable to distinguish between confidence and arrogance. But, at the end of the day, we all reflect our own reality onto others. I wish you the best for what remains of your career, and God bless your family.”