Ilia Topuria, the undefeated UFC lightweight champion, has once again reminded the world why the fastest growing star in combat sports is considered. This time, he was not in the Octagon unleashing his fierce power of knockout or his fighting skill, but was stopped on stage in front of a roar crowd of 80,000 fans in Spain, offering a surprise performance that has since turned viral on social networks.
While fans expect the confirmation of their next opponent, the appearance of Topuria at a Spanish music festival gave an idea of how powerful their presence has become, not only as a world -class fighter but as a cultural icon in his native country.
From the island of the fight to the fame of the festival
Topuria left his mark for the first time at the UFC in 2020 with a fight with little predicts Fight Island, defeating Youssef Zalal in an impressive unanimous decision. Since then, he has accumulated an undefeated record of 17-0, collecting chasing leathers such as Ryan Hall, Bryce Mitchell, Josh Emmett and, more markedly, Charles Oliveira Enufc 317— A victory that earned him the lightweight championship and officially launched his stardom.
But Topuria stardom goes beyond title belts and highlights the truck knockouts. His distinctive style, his acute sense of fashion, his burning personality and his unforgettable music to get out of the house … Song of the Mariachipor Antonio Banderas – have created a sign of a signature different from any other in MMA today.
That song, now fans favorite, was in the heart of his last viral moment.
A star outside the octagon
With his temporarily clear fight calendar, Topuria took the stage at an important music festival in Spain, performed his famous strike anthem in front of a massive live audience. Dressed in his characteristic street clothes and flanked by local musicians and artists, the current lightweight king of UFC not only made a cameo, but was the owner of the stage.
While the first chords of “Mariachi Song” sounded, the crowd exploded in a thunderous applause. Cell phones illuminated the night sky and songs of “The Matador!” throughout the place. Topuria, completely hugging the moment, grabbed the microphone and sang next to the choir, showing his characteristic smile and soaking up the love of his loyal followers.
In a photo foot published on Instagram after the event, Topuria wrote:
“What energy, what people! Thank you all!”
It was another powerful reminder that Topuria’s attraction goes far beyond MMA’s purists and occasional fans. In Spain, the sport has transcended: it is a national symbol of pride.
Chael Sonnen: “It is 100% the plan”
While Topuria enjoys a deserved rest of the competition, the question arises: who will be his first defense of the title with 155 pounds?
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, former candidate for the title of UFC and Analystrala Sonenjusa what he called a “100%fact”: Topuria will defend his light belt counterarman Tsarukyeneste month of December.
This statement occurs despite the previous suggestions that Topuria would prefer names like Pimblettorjustin Gaethje, and that he was even willing to leave the belt to avoid confronting Tsarukyan.
Sonnen offered clarity:
“Out of illness or injury, I am not sharing an opinion. I am sharing a fact: it is Arman Vs. Ilia. That is 100 percent of the plan.”
He explained more thoroughly, citing personal connections with the Tsarukyan team and adding that Topuria’s strategy reflects greats of the past as Silva’s Andeerson – deny the fight publicly, create tension and then accept it with maximum attention.
Topuria, argues Sonnen, knows exactly what he is doing.
Why Tsarukyan is the perfect challenge
Arman Tsarukyanun A record of: 23-3, has been building silently one of the most complete curriculum in the lightweight division. After defeating Charles Oliveira Enufc 300, Tsarukyan was scheduled to face Islam Makhachev for the title Enufc 311, just to retire days before the event.
Despite the setbacks, Tsarukyan intervened as a alternate fighter for UFC 317 and is widely seen as the most dangerous reign of Topuria.
Sonnen echoed this opinion:
-In for the confrontation, the most difficult fight for Ilia is Arman Tsarukyan. If Tsarukyan puts your hands on you, you have a problem.
Tsarukyan has elite fight, underestimated blows and cardio for days. If the fight materializes in December, it can represent the toughest test so far for the undefeated Spanish-Georgian champion.
El Negocio by Topuria
What makes Topuria’s rise even more notable is the velocity of its stardom. In just five years, it has gone from being a newcomer who fights in the letters below the world of world and a nationalbrity with a crossed attraction.
Sponsors, the media and promoters are beginning to recognize which Topuria is not just a fighter, it is a marking present to a new generation of European athletes with global marketing capacity. With charisma, style and a story that resonates, Topuria meets all the requirements of a modern superstar of combat sports.
Only his strike song has millions of visits on all platforms. His Instagram has more than one million followers. And its presence in concerts and press events continues to generate rumors that do not usually associate with MMA athletes.
As UFC continues to expand worldwide, Topuria could soon become a response from Europe to Conor McGregor – except the controversy, but with all the glow.
The way to go
While no official announcement has been made about its next fight, all the signs point Ailia Topuria vs. ARMAN TSARUKYANCOMO The next marquee event in the lightweight division. A confrontation in December would give Topuria enough time to prepare, while giving the UFC a high profile card to finish the year with a high note.
Until then, Topuria is still a man of the people, acting, inspiring and enjoying the successful loot for which he has worked so much.
Whether Mariachi’s music goes out to listen to the Octagon or interpret her on stage in front of tens of thousands, Ilia Topuria continues to demonstrate that she is more than a fighter – she is an artist, a champion and a real budding icon.
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