UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has massive aspirations – and possibly they’re even just a little too massive.
Topuria (15-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) emerged as a giant star after he knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to win the 145-pound title at UFC 298 in February.
Topuria’s victory tour included taking the honorary kickoff at Actual Madrid FC’s recreation in opposition to Sevilla of their residence stadium, the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, assembly soccer icon Lionel Messi, and the promise of Spanish citizenship by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
When requested how a lot cash he thinks he’ll make in 2025, Topuria made a daring prediction.
“Look, I can let you know I’ve little doubt that in 2025, I would be the highest-paid athlete on the earth,” Topuria mentioned in Spanish on the “Webpositer Podcast.”
In line with Forbes, Cristiano Ronaldo was 2023’s highest-paid athlete, making $136 million.
“I’ll be there. I’ve little doubt,” Topuria mentioned. “I imply, I’d be shocked if I didn’t do it. If I did, I’ve little doubt, actually.”
It is probably not a completely not possible feat for Topuria, who has somebody to level to for example in MMA. In 2021, Conor McGregor hit the No. 1 spot on Forbes’ listing of highest-paid athletes listing when he earned $180 million. Messi got here in at No. 2 with $130 million, adopted by Ronaldo at No. 3 with $120 million.
Topuria’s rise has gotten the UFC concerned with making it’s debut in Spain. The 27-year-old is but to zero in on his first title protection however has the likes of Max Holloway, Volkanovski and Brian Ortega as choices.
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