"Him and Michael Jordan" - Ilia Topuria wishes to snap photo with NBA legend and Lionel Messi, wants to invite soccer star to his next fight
Ilia Topuria has named Lionel Messi and NBA legend Michael Jordan as the only two celebrities that he'd ask for a picture with.
'El Matador' catapulted himself to star status after he picked up the featherweight title in stunning fashion when he faced Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. The Georgian-Spaniard promised a finish in the fight build up, and did just that in the second round when he landed a huge 1-2 combination that dropped the Australian out cold on the canvas.
Following his victory, Topuria received a hero's welcome back in Spain and was even presented to the crowd at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Topuria recently appeared on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani and was asked about his life since winning the title.
Helwani was specifically interested in those whom Topuria had met given his new found celebrity status, to which the 27-year-old revealed he had met Lionel Messi.
Topuria then named Messi and NBA legend Michael Jordan as the only two celebrities he'd be interested in photos with, and stated that he wants to invite them to his next fight. He said:
"A couple of days ago I met Messi and chatted with him for 5 or 10 minutes. We spoke about so many things...He was one of the only people in my mind that If I see him, I want to ask him for a picture. Him and Michael Jordan, I would ask them for a picture...I'll invite them to my next fight."
Catch Ilia Topuria's comments here (23:01):
Ilia Topuria reveals what elevated his opinion of Lionel Messi after meeting him
Ilia Topuria recently met Barcelona legend Lionel Messi in Miami, and revealed some details about their exchange.
'El Matador' was in the crowd at the Chase stadium to watch the multi Balon d'Or winner take on Colarado Rapids with his Inter Miami team. He then had the opportunity to meet the Argentinian before game, and he was left pleasantly surprised by their interaction.
Speaking to UFC Espanol (via GOAL), Topuria stated that Messi's personality has only made him respect him more. He said:
“I have always admired him since I was young. Messi has been one of the people who have inspired me a lot. The humility he transmits and how legendary he is, it makes him even greater. His personality has surprised me even more in person. It was a source of pride for me.”
Watch the clip of Topuria meeting Messi here: