Spain’s newest superstar Ilia Topuria received a warm welcome from fans when he returned to home soil.
The new UFC featherweight champion landed at the Madrid airport Wednesday evening and was met with a group of roaring fans showing their support.
The Georgian-Spanish fighter teased his return home on his Instagram Stories with a photo of his flight information and a caption in Spanish that read, “El cinturon para Espana,” which translates in English to “the belt for Spain.”
In a video posted to Instagram, Topuria arrived with the UFC belt draped over his shoulder as he met the crowd of fans cheering and snapping photos of the champ. “El Matador” took time to sign autographs as well as he appeared grateful for the reception.
Check out video of Topuria’s arrival in the video below (via Instagram):
Topuria claimed the UFC featherweight title by shockingly knocking out the division’s long-reigning titleholder Alexander Volkanovski in the main event of UFC 298.
Now, it’s time for his victory tour, which kicked off as soon as he landed in Madrid. There are some big plans ahead too.
During a press conference, Topuria said he will take the honorary kickoff at the upcoming Real Madrid soccer match against Sevilla at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Sunday. To put it simply (because it’s tough to draw an accurate comparison), that will be a massive moment for Topuria, the UFC, and the sport of MMA as a whole to have a fighter celebrated by one of the biggest soccer clubs in the world.
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UFC 298 Ceremonial Weigh-in
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 16: (L-R) Opponents Alexander Volkanovski of Australia and Ilia Topuria of Germany…
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 16: (L-R) Opponents Alexander Volkanovski of Australia and Ilia Topuria of Germany face off during the UFC 298 ceremonial weigh-in at Honda Center on February 16, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
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Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Ilia Topuria before fighting against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298…
Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Ilia Topuria before fighting against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Ilia Topuria before fighting against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298…
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Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Ilia Topuria fights against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at…
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Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Ilia Topuria reacts to his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during…
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Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during…
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Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Alexander Volkanovski leaves following the loss against Ilia Topuria during…
Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Alexander Volkanovski leaves following the loss against Ilia Topuria during UFC 298 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during…
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Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Rose petals on the mat after Ilia Topuria celebrates his…
Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Rose petals on the mat after Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during…
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Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during…
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Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during…
Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Ilia Topuria def. Alexander Volkanovski, UFC 298 Scorecard
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