UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has big aspirations – and maybe even a little too big.
Topuria (15-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) emerged as a huge star after knocking out Alexander Volkanovski to capture the 145-pound title at UFC 298 in February.
Topuria’s victorious journey included the honorary kick-off of Real Madrid FC’s game against Seville at his home stadium, the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, meeting football icon Lionel Messi and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s promise of Spanish citizenship.
When asked how much money he thinks he will make in 2025, Topuria made a bold prediction.
“Look, I can say that I have no doubt that in 2025 I will be the highest paid athlete in the world,” Topuria said in Spanish on “Webpositer Podcast.”
According to Forbes, Cristiano Ronaldo it was The highest paid athlete of 2023earning US$136 million.
“I’ll be there. I have no doubt,” Topuria said. “I mean, I would be surprised if I didn’t do it. If I did that, I have no doubt, really.”
It may not be a completely impossible feat for Topuria, who has someone to point to as an example in MMA. In 2021, Conor McGregor reached number one in Forbes list of highest-paid athletes list when he earned $180 million. Messi came in second place with US$130 million, followed by Ronaldo in third place with US$120 million.
Topuria’s rise sparked the UFC’s interest in debuting in Spain. The 27-year-old has not yet managed his first title defense, but has options like Max Holloway, Volkanovski and Brian Ortega.
