Ilia Topuria pulled no punches in response to Cristiano Ronaldo after he showed his backing for Max Holloway ahead of UFC 308.
Topuria retained his UFC featherweight title last weekend by beating Holloway, who was knocked out for the first time in his career.
The 27-year-old extended his unbeaten run in professional fights to 16, but it’s clear Ronaldo favoured his opponent to win beforehand.
In a clip from Championship Rounds on X, the footballing legend was sat next to UFC icon Francis Ngannou and MMA coach Eric Nicksick.
“I like Max, he’s a tough guy,” Ronaldo said as he previewed UFC 308’s main event. “[Topuria] speaks too much.”
He added: “I think when he beat Volk [Alexander Volkanovski], Volk wasn’t [ready] because of that kick [from Islam Makhachev], didn’t recover.”
“But [Topuria] didn’t fight with the top guys,” Ronaldo also said. “If he beats Max, I will respect [him]. Never KO, this is why [Max] will be tough for Topuria.”
Topuria has now replied to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and Al Nassr star after proving him wrong in the octagon – and didn’t hold back.
“I didn’t expect someone like you to be unable to distinguish between confidence and arrogance,” he said in a quote post on the video.
“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.”
Topuria first stunned Holloway on the night with a straight right punch to send him against the cage.
He then sealed the win in the third round of action with a huge left hook that sent his opponent onto the canvas.
The 27-year-old originally won his featherweight belt by beating Volkanovski via knockout in February.
After defending his title last weekend, Topuria is keen on fighting the Australian for a second time following his request.
“We are going to do it again, you deserve that,” he said Topuria as he embraced Volkanovski. “If someone deserves it, it is him. You are the man brother.”
Topuria was actually joined by Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos during his celebrations afterwards.
And after seeing Holloway suffer defeat, Ronaldo might now be keen to star backing Topuria as he continues his stunning UFC run.
