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Ilia Topura had the last laugh after CR7 predicted his downfall at UFC 308.
Cristiano Ronaldo recently found himself on the receiving end of sharp criticism from UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria.
The Al Nassr superstar captain had publicly backed Max Holloway to win against Topuria in UFC 308.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner expressed skepticism about Topuria's skills in a backstage interview during Francis Ngannou's PFL debut days ago.
Ronaldo was quoted to have said:
“[Topuria] speaks too much… I think when he [beat] Volk, Volk wasn’t [ready] because of that kick… [Topuria] didn’t fight with the top guys. If he beats Max, I will respect.”
However, Topuria proved Ronaldo wrong in spectacular fashion, delivering a third-round knockout to Holloway—a defeat that marked the first knockout loss in Holloway’s career.
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In response, Topuria took to X (formerly Twitter) to fire back at Ronaldo’s comments, issuing a scathing retort that highlighted the difference between confidence and arrogance.
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The Spanish UFC champion wrote:
“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.”
Topuria stock rises in the UFC after Featherweight title defense
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Topuria’s victory not only silenced his critics but also solidified his standing as a dominant force in the UFC.
The 27-year-old Spaniard who competes in the Featherweight division, is the reigning UFC Featherweight Champion.
Topuria is the first fighter of Georgian and Spanish heritage to hold a UFC title.
As of July 30, 2024, Topuria was ranked #4 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings—a testament to his rising influence in the sport.
With this powerful rebuttal to Ronaldo, Topuria demonstrating that he is not only a skilled fighter but also someone unafraid to stand his ground against the world’s most followed athlete.
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