Apart from football, Sergio Ramos is a fan of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), a renowned combat sport organized by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
The Real Madrid legend, who is yet to secure a new deal after his contract with Sevilla expired, stunned MMA fans by walking out UFC Star IIia Topuria.
He was spotted with the top fighter during the ceremonial weigh-in ahead of the latter’s bout fight against Hawaiin fighter Max Holloway.
The two fighters weighed in and faced off on Friday, October 26, 2024, ahead of the main event at UFC 308, with Ramos following the 27-year-old to the stage.
Regarded as one of the strongest and toughest defenders in football, Ramos lit the ceremony with his presence, leaving MMA fans star-struck.
MMA analysts opine that IIia Topuria’s decision to walk out with the legendary soccer star is a symbolic move to send message to his opponent.
Ramos and Topuria are regarded as the toughest opponents in their respective sports and Topura sent a message to his MMA Hawaiian opponent with the choice of the renowned footballer to walk him out.
Ramos won 22 trophies, including four Champions Leagues and five La Liga titles across his career with Real Madrid.
He has also lifted the World Cup and won two European Championships in a heroic career trail that spanned 20 years across three clubs: Sevilla, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Topuria’s bromance with football and relationship with Sergio Ramos
Unlike other MMA stars, Topuria has always attempted to marry his Mixed Martial Arts career with soccer and Ramos has not only been his companion but a friend.
In February, soon after Topuria became champion after knocking out Volkanovski in the second round, the featherweight fighter was given a standing ovation at Real Madrid’s stadium, the Bernabeu. Sergio Ramos gave him a hug after the fight before he met Real Madrid players after their 1-0 victory over Sevilla.
Ramos is also said to be a regular visitor to Topuria’s house where he trains in the fighters’ high-technology gym.
Also, it was not the first time the defender has been seen at a UFC event. In June 2023, Ramos and Barcelona player Ferran Torres were ringside at UFC Jacksonville to watch Topuria’s fight.
Topuria reigned victorious after a dominant display, bloodying the face of his opponent – a fight that solidified his status as one of the strongest in the sport.
In August, Ramos was at the home of ‘El Matador’ to undergo some boxing classes, leading to reports the footballer could be planning for a new career away from football.
Finally, Ramos presented Topuria with a jersey which the Spaniard wore against the champion’s national team Georgia.
The pair embraced again and discussed their training session, before parting ways.
Sergio Ramos yet to find a new offer after Sevilla spell
Already, there are feelers Ramos could be exploring a different sport away from football following his recent moves. Walking out Topuria has only served to pushed the narrative that the footballer may be eyeing a different vocation away from football.
He has yet to sign for a new club after his contract with Sevilla expired. Futballnews understands the Spaniard was eager to extend his deal with the six-time Europa League winners and boyhood club but was out of favour with the club’s hierarchy. He has been linked to MLS and Saudi Arabia but close sources reveal he ha not decided on his future yet.
, a renowned combat sport organized by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).){kind=link}