Soccer and MMA are the most popular sports globally, generating significant excitement among fans. Collaborations between soccer players and MMA fighters further amplify this enthusiasm. Recently, Max Holloway announced that he has the support of FC Barcelona ahead of his upcoming fight against Ilia Topuria at UFC 308.
The highly anticipated featherweight title clash between Holloway and Topuria is soon approaching. Interestingly, both fighters have been exploring various intriguing topics on multiple platforms in the lead-up to fight night. Most of the time, they are seemingly berating each other. However, in the middle of that, Holloway recently showcased a surprising gift he received from a famous soccer club.
Yeah, I got gifted from Barcelona, and they gave me the number 9 for striker. Coz they know…..So I guess Barcelona go 2 and 0 Saturday night.
Max Holloway via ESPN MMA
Ilia Topuria is a huge soccer enthusiast and a passionate fan of Real Madrid. After winning the UFC featherweight championship, he has become more involved in the soccer community. Topuria received a warm welcome at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium following his impressive performance against Alexander Volkanovski,
When UFC CEO Dana White saw a video of Topuria at the event, he shared his plans for potentially hosting a UFC card in Spain at that stadium. However, for this to happen, the featherweight champion must first defend his title against Max Holloway. The Hawaiian star might be one of the most formidable opponents the Spaniard has faced till now.
👀⚽️On October 26th, just before the #UFC308 main event, Barcelona will play Real Madrid in the Spanish El Clásico.
Real Madrid is Ilia Topuria’s favorite football team, while Barcelona, on the other hand, gifted Max Holloway a personalized t-shirt.
🎥 @espnmma ▫️ pic.twitter.com/I5qxnyvSZV
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 23, 2024
The MMA community is well accustomed to Max Holloway’s stature in the UFC. Over his illustrious career, the Hawaiian fighter has defeated several formidable opponents. Ahead of the latest El Classico, FCB siding with Holloway adds new intrigue to both rivalries. However, amidst all these, Holloway’s opponent, Topuria, is seemingly agitated about one thing ahead of the fight weekend.
Ilia Topuria wants to KO La Liga chief instead of Max Holloway
Throughout his career in the UFC, Ilia Topuria has defeated several prominent names in the featherweight division. Notably, Topuria is recognized for his exceptional striking skills, and most of his UFC victories have come by way of KO or TKO. He is eager to defeat Max Holloway in a similar fashion. However, he has also set his sights on another individual.
Holloway’s fight against Topuria at UFC 308 is set to make this weekend unforgettable for MMA enthusiasts. Additionally, one of the most iconic rivalries in soccer will unfold as Real Madrid faces FC Barcelona in El Clasico. However, the featherweight champion is not pleased about the overlap of his fight with the El Clasico match and subtly targeted La Liga President Javier Tebas.
Maybe I got it wrong and instead of Holloway I will have to knock out the person responsible for scheduling El Clasico at the exact same time and day as my fight…
Ilia Topuria via UFC 308 media day
Ilia Topuria: “Maybe I got it wrong and instead of Holloway I will have to knock out the person responsible for scheduling El Clásico at the exact same time and day as my fight.”
Topuria will defend his belt immediately after the end of El Clásico. pic.twitter.com/TUiL4Zz1pi
— Lucas Navarrete (@LucasNavarreteM) October 23, 2024
Over the years, there have been several connections between UFC fighters and soccer players. Notably, Conor McGregor and Francis Ngannou are two MMA stars who frequently socialize with soccer players. Similarly, Max Holloway’s upcoming opponent, Ilia Topuria, has been seen with soccer star Sergio Ramos on multiple occasions. Topuria’s presence in and around soccer shows his love for the sport.
