The new UFC champion Ilia Topuria received a spectacular welcome at the packed sanctuary of Real Madrid. Will he be a bigger star than McGregor?

The biggest moment since the glory days when the whole world started to recognize a star named Conor McGregor? Quite possibly. Many people doubted him, however, it seems that Ilia Topuria may have similar potential. Not just athletically, but also marketing-wise. The UFC champion was greeted by a packed Santiago Bernabeu.

It’s still just days away from the UFC crowning a new champion. In retrospect, it’s fascinating what all preceded it. There was a lot of doubt and a lot of smirking at him. And somewhat rightfully so.

Because at the pre-UFC 298 press conference, Ilia Topuria copied and mimicked Conor McGregor in an almost absurd way. Alexander Volkanovski negated his attempts at trashtalk with complete clarity, greasing his predatory opponent’s bread and butter.

This was also why it was expected that he would dent the German-born Spanish-Georgian’s confidence, which could have been reflected in the fight. But that didn’t happen, as the 27-year-old puncher finished one of the top featherweights in the second round.

He already had a huge following in Spain and Georgia before the fight. In one video, legends like Iker Casillas and Rafael Nadal wished him success. He himself believed he could sell out the Santiago Bernabeu football shrine. Now he’s introduced himself there.

How much potential does Ilia Topuria have?

Right after Ilia Topuria defeated Alexander Volkanovski, he challenged Conor McGregor. He’s the man he’d like to face at the Santiago Bernabeu. But for now, he has to be more modest. It’s unclear if the Irishman will ever fight again.

He did, however, make an appearance at the Real Madrid stadium. Before Sunday’s Real Madrid vs Sevilla match, he showed his belt to more than 75,000 fans, moreover, he provided the ceremonial kick-off, receiving a big ovation. His name means something in Spain now.

Those who doubted his sporting or star potential must now stare with open mouths. Ilia Topuria has made the whole of Spain crazy, he has become a huge star. If he can defend his speeches on the sporting field as he has done so far, he may achieve at least part of the fame that McGregor once achieved.

He obviously doesn’t have that potential. His poor command of English, for example, is preventing him from doing so. But that can be worked on. But Spain and Georgia are huge markets in their own right, and many opportunities are now open to him.

And the UFC sees it too, which is why the organization’s boss Dana White is now in favour of the idea of holding a tournament in the sanctuary of Real Madrid.

Source: Twitter, Tapology, UFC