Ilia Topuria surprises and says that world champion football player could make the transition to MMA

Ilia Topuria with Lionel Messi (Photo: Instagram)

One of the most popular names in MMA today, Ilia Topuria is used to meeting some of the most famous names in the world, especially in the sports field. Although he has been photographed alongside great athletes such as Lionel Messi, the Georgian/Spanish player chose another footballer as the most likely to succeed in the world of martial arts.

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When asked about the subject in an interview with ESPN, El Matador did not hesitate to choose defender Sergio Ramos as an athlete experienced enough to do well in MMA. He did not go into detail about why he said this, but he emphasized that the Spaniard's personality would be a differentiator.

Ilia Topuria says that Sergio Ramos could compete in MMA #UFC317 pic.twitter.com/LWUohCEURI

- ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 25, 2025

Sergio Ramos and Ilia Topuria are friends

Sergio Ramos getting some work in with Ilia Topuria

IG / @Sergio Ramos #UFC #MMA #Soccer pic.twitter.com/4b9NauU9R7

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 28, 2024

Despite being born in Germany and having spent the early part of his life in Georgia, Topuria began training martial arts in Spain, where he still lives today. As such, most of his idols in the sport have made their careers in the country, as is the case with Ramos. The two developed a friendship and the player has even attended the former featherweight champion's (up to 65,7 kg) fights on a few occasions.

Sergio Ramos is known for his imposition on the pitch

Sergio Ramos pic.twitter.com/huRaCAOYjd

— اَمين (@crs7_9) June 22, 2025

Nicknamed El Capitán (the captain in Spanish), Sergio Ramos is one of the most successful defenders in the history of football. A 2010 World Cup winner and two-time European champion with the Spanish national team, the player spent most of his career as a starter for Real Madrid. In addition to his technical ability as a defender, he also stood out for his aggressive style. Over the course of 22 years as a professional, he has accumulated 30 red cards.