Ilia Topuria fires back at Cristiano Ronaldo's recent comments, sends strong message on the line between confidence and arrogance
Ilia Topuria recently fired back at Cristiano Ronaldo's comments regarding his featherweight title defense against Max Holloway and clarified that he was confident rather than arrogant. 'El Matador's confidence was justified as he ended up doing exactly what he predicted and earning a knockout win.
The comments were made while the Portuguese soccer legend was speaking with Eric Nicksick in Francis Ngannou's locker room at PFL: Battle of the Giants. 'CR7' mentioned that he was still skeptical about Topuria but would have respect if he went on to defeat Holloway.
Championship Rounds' post featuring the clip of 'CR7' and Nicksick caught the attention of 'El Matador', who reposted and responded. Topuria mentioned that he was shocked that Ronaldo couldn't spot the difference in his mentality, but wished him well in the final years of his professional career:
"I didn't expect someone like you to be unable to distinguish between confidence and arrogance. But, at the end of the day, we all reflect our own reality onto others. I wish you the best for what remains of your career, and God bless your family."
Check out Ilia Topuria's comments below:
What did Cristiano Ronaldo say about Ilia Topuria?
Despite Ilia Topuria defeating Alexander Volkanovski, Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't too convinced of 'El Matador's greatness just yet because of 'Volk' returning too soon following a knockout loss to Islam Makhachev.
During the aforementioned clip posted by Championship Rounds via PFL, Ronaldo predicted that Max Holloway would edge out a win over Topuria because of the level of competition faced:
"I like Max, he's a tough guy...[Topuria] speaks too much...I think he when he beat 'Volk', 'Volk' wasn't [ready] because of that kick [from Makhachev]. [Volkanovski] didn't recover...[Topuria] didn't fight with the top guys. If he beats Max, I will respect. Never been KO. This is why I think [Holloway] will be too tough for Topuria."
Check out Cristiano Ronaldo's comments regarding Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway below: