Ilia Topuria managed to become the featherweight champion of the world before he could become a Spanish citizen, a country where he has been residing for years. ‘El Matador’ was received with much warmth by the Spanish people once he returned home with UFC gold. However, there was one key figure who was missing.

The Spanish Prime Minister is meant to follow a rather honorable custom. Every time an athlete wins a medal or a trophy, the P.M. is meant to welcome them back to the home ground with open arms and a lot of recognition. Did that happen for Topuria? No. But, things may be going in a better direction now.

Ilia Topuria finally finds identity in his adopted nation

Ilia Topuria was welcomed by everyone but Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister, upon his return home. He told the press how the absence of the country’s leader really “hurt” him. He’d put in a lot of work to become the champion just to come back to a nation that didn’t fully recognize him.

As soon as Sánchez caught wind of it all, he made a quick move to make it up to ‘El Matador’. Recently, he met up with the featherweight champion and duly congratulated him for securing the featherweight title. He also made a grand move that may have won everyone’s hearts.

“This morning I received @Topuriailia, the new @ufc featherweight world champion. Your effort, dedication, and perseverance have led you to fulfill one of your dreams. The second will also become a reality very soon. Your love for Spain will be reflected in your Spanish ID.”

This is what he wrote in a heartfelt X post with clips of him and Ilia Topuria finally coming together. The champion has always considered himself a Spanish national and now, he has the documents to prove it too. So, what else does he want to prove now?

Who’s next on Topuria’s list?

Ilia Topuria has to defend his title against someone. It might just be when the UFC goes to Spain for a pay-per-view. So far, he’s called out former champ Conor McGregor and has also shown his desire to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov. Is there a pattern here?

Also Read: Triggered Fans React as UFC World Falls Prey to Fake Islam Makhachev’s Callout of Ilia Topuria

It’s an interesting list. But one that lacks the reality mechanic to it. McGregor is away from the cage for the moment, and ‘The Eagle’ has retired for good. Soon, his callouts gained attention from Movsar Evloev who accused him of calling out anyone but him.

Will Ilia Topuria fight Evloev then? There’s no way to tell. In the minds of many, the rightful contender is still Alexander Volkanovski who reigned in the division for long before falling to Topuria’s knockout power. Is this the fight that we should all look forward to?

Also Read: UFC News: Ilia Topuria Getting Aston Martin as a Gift After Title Win Make MMA Fans Go Wild- “Champ”