Since delivering a stunning knockout against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 to claim the featherweight title, and following up with yet another stunning KO of Max Holloway in his first title defense at UFC 308, Ilia Topuria has skyrocketed into one of the biggest stars the UFC has ever witnessed. However, it seems this is just the beginning of what could be one of the biggest names in the world of MMA. The soon-to-be former featherweight champion has now a street named in front of him in his hometown. Shortly after capturing the title, Topuria was officially granted Spanish citizenship by the Prime Minister of Spain, recognizing his roots in Alicante, where he settled in 2012.
On Tuesday, the 28-year-old met with the Mayor of Toledo as part of the city’s initiative to earn the title of European City of Sport for 2025. At the press conference ‘La Leyenda’ said, “I’m thrilled to have been given this privilege in a city like Toledo, which has embraced three cultures,”. Well, this is not the only change that has taken place in the life of the Spanish-Georgian fighter. ‘La Leyenda’ has now amassed seven million followers on social media with his new nickname as his bio.
Pelunaton took to their X account and shared the news with the fans. The post read as, “Ilia Topuria has already updated his Instagram with his new nickname The Legend, and has already accumulated 7 million followers on this social network, currently being the sixth active UFC fighter with the most followers #UFC”. Ilia Topuria‘s new nickname carries a clear meaning. After vacating the featherweight title and moving up in weight, he felt that his time embodying the spirit of a bullfighter had come to an end.
Ilia Topuria ya ha actualizado su Instagram con su nuevo apodo The Legend y además ya acumula 7 millones de seguidores en esta red social siendo actualmente el sexto peleador activo de la UFC con más seguidores #UFC pic.twitter.com/g9lyKsEFKS
— Pelunaton (@pelunaton) March 26, 2025
Now, he sees himself on a new path—the journey to becoming a legend. To reach that status, he knows he must fight like one. This new moniker serves as both a symbol of his ambition and a constant reminder of the mindset he needs to compete against the legendary names of the lightweight division. However, his ambition is currently facing a roadblock in the name of Charles Oliveira. The Brazilian has now demanded a title shot with the champion as his next fight.
Charles Oliveira feels he is the right candidate to face Islam Makhachev next
The lightweight division is currently a bit overcrowded at the moment. Arguably the most stacked and competitive weight class in the UFC needs a title fight next. With a deep pool of talented contenders, finding a matchup that balances rankings, business, and fighter demands has become a daunting task.
So, who will get the next shot? Will it be Ilia Topuria, the soon-to-be former featherweight king who has made it clear that he only wants a title shot? Could Justin Gaethje, get a nod ahead after the AKA head coach wants him next? Or is it finally time for Charles Oliveira to get the long-awaited rematch he’s been chasing?
Well, it seems the Brazilian fighter wants a nod ahead. ‘Do Bronx’ took to his social media and shared a message, “I’m ready to write history one more time. UFC, let’s make this happen! This is the fight everyone wants to see. I’m ready. Makhachev’s talking big about wanting this fight, so it’ll be a war for sure. Is this the fight you want? It’s the fight you’ll get. Dana, UFC, Sean, Hunter, let’s make it happen. Just give me a call,”.
There’s no doubt that an Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira rematch is an exciting prospect—one that would surely thrill fans. And let’s be honest, ‘Do Bronx’ has more than earned it. Ever since losing his title to the Dagestani at UFC 280 in October 2022, a second showdown has felt inevitable. It will be interesting to see how the division lines up in the future. With so much talent to choose from, UFC CEO Dana White will definitely have a tough time in picking his next number one.
Who do you think will fight for the title next? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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