The UFC world was abuzz after Ilia Topuria was spotted quietly visiting his home country of Georgia, but surprisingly, no fans knew he was coming. Given Topuria’s celebrity status in the country, many expected a hero’s welcome or at least a public announcement made by ‘El Matador.’ Instead, he decided to remain under the radar, leaving fans speculating about the reason behind his discreet trip.

Georgia, a nation of just over 3.7 million, has produced two UFC champions in just a few years: Merab Dvalishvili and Topuria. ‘El Matador,’ born to Georgian parents, began his wrestling career there before relocating to Spain at the age of 15. Although he now has Spanish nationality and lives in Spain, Georgia has honored his accomplishments by giving him the Order of Honor.

In fact, they even sought to restore his Georgian citizenship, a testament to his national importance and pride. So, why did he decide to keep his recent visit a secret? Georgian fighter Merab Dvalishvili recently shared his thoughts on the visit with Ariel Helwani, providing some insight into Topuria’s approach.

“When he won the belt the first time, he went straight to Georgia. And of course, now he’s like, second time. I think it’s just more family, more some business, more like, you know, more family. I haven’t talked to him in the last couple of weeks,” Dvalishvili said on The Ariel Helwani Show, emphasizing Topuria’s preference for privacy over fanfare.

The respect between the two Georgian champs is clear. While ‘The Machine’ has dominated the bantamweight division, Ilia Topuria achieved two-division success by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. And to show some love for his native country, ‘El Matador’ has consistently praised Dvalishvili’s performances, emphasizing their shared roots and mutual admiration.

Following UFC 320, Topuria addressed his feelings in a post on social media as he wrote, “I say it with pride: you’re a living legend!!!! An example of hard work, sacrifice, and heart. Beyond the fighter, you’re an incredible person, with a soul too big for your chest. We love you, we support you, and we’re with you every step of the way.”

This touching statement shows not only admiration for skill but also the deep bond between the two champions and their shared connection to Georgia. But what if Ilia Topuria has to choose between Spain and Georgia? What country will he choose? Well, he let his fans know the answer during a recent visit to the Ciudad del Fútbol.

Ilia Topuria visited the Spanish football team ahead of their match against Georgia

Ilia Topuria’s roots in Georgia are undeniable, but his recent visit to the Ciudad del Fútbol showed where his current allegiance lies. Just a few days ago, the UFC lightweight champion surprised the Spanish national team at a training session ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Georgia, offering his presence, humility, and a strong message of support.

Fans and players alike were taken off guard as ‘El Matador’ bridged the gap between MMA and football in one unforgettable appearance. ‘El Matador’ greeted players, coaches, and RFEF president Rafael Louzán and shared some words of motivation. “With faith and determination, everything is achievable. I wish you the best of luck for these matches because your success is everyone’s success,” Topuria said, making it clear he was fully in support of Spain, even against his country of birth.

At the end of the session, the team gave him a personalized jersey signed by each player. The champion posed with the red jersey and the Spanish crest, a symbolic gesture showing that while Georgia shaped his early life, Spain has played a key role in his MMA success. And the impact of his words and the visit was truly felt on the pitch, as Spain went on to defeat Georgia 2-0 at Estadio Martinez Valero in Elche.

Ilia Topuria’s support for Spain in such a high-stakes event highlighted his dual identity: ‘El Matador’ remains proud of his Georgian heritage while remaining passionately attached to Spain, where he built his career and rose to global stardom, and the place he calls his home.