Topuria has admired Messi from a young age

Earlier this month, reigning UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who is a Real Madrid fan, posted a joint photo with Barcelona legend Lionel Messi on social media. Today, Topuria once again dedicated the post to the legendary Argentine.

"From a young age, I have always admired Lionel. Messi was one of the people who inspired me a lot. His humility, despite his status as a legend, makes him even greater. And his personality surprised me even more. It was a source of pride for me," Topuria told UFC Espanol.

Recall that Elijah became the UFC featherweight champion in February this year, finishing Alex Volkanovski in a head-to-head duel.

"From a young age I have always admired Lionel. Messi was one of the people who inspired me a lot. His humility, despite his status as a legend, makes him even greater. And his personality surprised me even more. It was a source of pride for me," Topuria told UFC Espanol.

Recall that Elijah became the UFC featherweight champion in February this year, finishing Alex Volkanovski in a head-to-head duel.