DANA WHITE has made an official announcement on Ilia Topuria’s first defence of the UFC featherweight title.
The Georgian-born Spaniard ripped the 145lbs title from the clutches of long-time champion Alexander Volkanovski early on Sunday morning in the main event of UFC 298 in Anaheim.
REUTERSIlia Topuria challenged Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title at UFC 298[/caption]
REUTERSThe Georgian-born Spaniard ripped the belt from the fan favourite with a brutal second-round KO[/caption]
GETTYUFC president Dana White has revealed the promotion will host Topuria’s next fight in Spain[/caption]
Topuria knocked ‘The Great’ OUT COLD in the second round of their California clash to become both Georgia and Spain‘s first UFC champion.
Topuria’s star power was clear and evident in fight week when Spanish sports icons, Iker Casillas, Andreas Iniesta and Rafael Nadal sent him messages of support.
And the UFC plans to showcase the adopted Spaniard in his backyard this summer.
In the post-fight press conference, White said: “I want to go to Spain — we’re going to Spain.
“If there’s a venue available for us, we’ll be there.
“We’re definitely going to Spain … and it would be a pay-per-view.”
Topuria, 27, is already dreaming about headling an icon stadium show at the Santiago Bernabeu – the home of Real Madrid – against Conor McGregor.
And he doubled down on his desire to face The Notorious just minutes after fulfilling his dream of winning UFC gold.
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GettyIlia Topuia bizarrely called out Conor McGregor after getting his hands on UFC gold[/caption]
He said: “Conor McGregor, if you still have some balls, I will be waiting for you in Spain!”
A rematch with Volkanovski – who has lost his last two via brutal knockout – is more likely to come to fruition for Topuria than a showdown with McGregor.
White, however, is refusing to commit to the prospect of pitting the pair against one another, saying: “I don’t know yet.
“It just happened. I’m not even thinking about that right now.”
Topuria was overcome with emotion after having the featherweight strapped wrapped around his waist.
He told UFC commentator Joe Rogan in his post-fight interview: “They say you can’t do it, but trust yourself, work hard.
“Anything is possible. Look at me now.”