Ilia Topuria knows what it takes to be the best at a thing. So, when Ducati’s Marc Márquez clinched the MotoGP world championship at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, the UFC champion wasn’t the least bit surprised. The Cervera, Spain native’s triumph marked his seventh career title, sealed dominantly after securing a lead with five rounds still to go. Yet, the road to the title was tough!

The 32-year-old even outscored his brother, Álex of Gresini Racing, and came in second behind teammate Francesco Bagnaia to solidify his victory. Despite the 201-point lead Marc had taken, Álex was the first one to congratulate his brother after the race finished. The brothers embraced each other in a warm hug in celebration. Now, the UFC lightweight champion has joined the list of well-wishers. 

Marc Márquez gets emotional after 7th title win

“Proud to see you back on top. You’re an example of self-improvement for everyone. Congratulations, champion,” Topuria wrote on his Instagram story, highlighting Márquez’s first win since 2019. Although born in Germany to Georgian parents, Topuria shares his love for Spain with Márquez. ‘El Matador’ moved to Spain as a teenager, where he grew up, found friends, and built his life and career, ultimately becoming the first UFC champion from Spain.

Meanwhile, Marc Márquez himself got emotional after accepting the MotoGP trophy known as the Tower of Champions. “It’s impossible even to speak … I just want to enjoy the moment, but it’s true that it was difficult, it was super difficult, but now I’m at peace with myself,” said the Spaniard. “I [made] a big mistake in my career, to come back too early [from surgery] and then I fight, fight, fight—and I won again! So I’m at peace.”

For now, Ilia Topuria doesn’t have a confirmed opponent lined up. What he does want, though, is to seize the spot many believe was being reserved for Conor McGregor.

Ilia Topuria wants to hijack Conor McGregor’s White House card

The Spaniard isn’t shying away from the opportunity to appear on the biggest UFC event in the history of the promotion—the White House Card next year. The potential of headlining the event has already lured the likes of Jon Jones and Conor McGregor out of the sidelines. Dana White, however, made it clear that he would “trust McGregor over Jones” for the headliner role. 

And the Irishman has since vowed to return from his four-year hiatus to face Michael Chandler at the event. Yet Topuia believes he can take that opportunity away from McGregor. “Who wants to bet with me that I’m the main event at the White House?” Topuria wrote on X. Despite Topuria’s confidence, White hasn’t confirmed the fights on the card yet.

Clearly, Ilia Topuria is happy for Marc Márquez after the latter’s win on Sunday, but he appears to be planning something even bigger for himself. But the question is, can he get that?