We are now just a day away from the blockbuster UFC 308 main event in Abu Dhabi between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway, with the intensity now palpable.
When this fight was first announced, straightaway there was mutual respect between both fighters for what they have both achieved and are both capable of.
Despite that, the intensity of the feud has increased as time has gone and the press conference this past Thursday only heightened the feeling between these two featherweights.
Ilia Topuria brings Sergio Ramos to stage as he and Max Holloway face off for the final time
After both successfully weighing in for their main event this morning, Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway have done everything they can, and all that is left is for them to square off inside the Octagon in what is the most anticipated fight of the year.
Before that, though, the two shared one final face-off earlier today as all 26 fighters took part in the ceremonial weigh-ins from the Etihad Arena.
‘El Matador’ didn’t attend the weigh-ins alone, though, as he brought with him Spanish soccer legend and former Real Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos.
Topuria is an avid fan of Real Madrid and grew up watching Ramos captain the side to multiple La Liga titles and several Champions League titles too.
This coming weekend, Real Madrid takes on Barcelona in what is one of the most famous sporting fixtures in the world, dubbed ‘The El Clasico’. Ahead of the fight on Saturday, Barcelona (Real Madrid’s rival team) gifted ‘Blessed’ Holloway with a shirt, taking his side in the matchup.
During the final face-off, the 27-year-old champion constantly spoke to Holloway as the former champion just stood calmly nodding his head.
“Hey guys, tomorrow night once again, you’re gonna see why I’m the best fighter in the world, see you, tomorrow guys, let’s go,” Topuria told Jon Anik and the fans in attendance.
“Ay, in your words, one more sleep, ay, no more talk, fight tomorrow, tune in!” Holloway responded.
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Dana White in discussions with Madrid and Barcelona for UFC Spain
Topuria was hopeful that he could make his first title defense under the lights of the Santiago Bernabeu, the home stadium of Real Madrid.
Despite that, the UFC couldn’t get it over the line and Dana White admitted that the thing he is struggling with in regard to a UFC event in Spain is their lack of arenas and how booked into the future they are.
However, at the press conference this past Thursday, the UFC boss provided an update on the potential of an event in the country.
“We’re talking to Madrid and Barcelona (about a potential UFC event),” White said.
Topuria being a Real Madrid fan jokingly stated that he won’t fight in Barcelona if the promotion strikes a deal with the City.
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