UFC star Ilia Topuria makes offer to Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso ahead of UFC 317 as Los Blancos eye Mbappe back-up

Chisanga Malata, Senior Digital & Print Combat Sports Reporter
Published: Invalid Date,
UFC superstar Ilia Topuria has jokingly offered his services to Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, who is on the hunt for a new striker
Georgian-born Spaniard Topruia is one of the slickest strikers in the sport of mixed martial arts and has electrified the UFC with a string of emphatic knockouts.
5
5
But he's also a dab hand on the pitch, so much so that he shared his footie skills in an Instgram video for his 7.7 million followers to see.
The 28-year-old posted a video of himself dribbling past his training partners as they took some downtime from preparations for his UFC 317 next weekend.
And the Real superfan sent a message to new Los Blancos boss Alonso, who is in the market for a back-up striker for Kylian Mbappe.
His accompanying caption read: "I'm not saying anything but @realmadrid needs a Matador."
Topuria, who was presented at the Bernabeu last February after his brutal featherweight title-winning knockout of Alexander Volkanovski, had his comments section flooded by Madridistas.
And another said: "Better than Cristiano."
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS
5
One remarked: "Topurinho."
Another chimed in: "Barcelona, you have a new problem."
Ilia Topuria performs shock Paddy Pimblett U-turn ahead of UFC 317 after seemingly squashing beef with Brit
Topuria is pals with Real legend Sergio Ramos, who was cageside for his sole featherweight title defence against Max Holloway last October.
'El Matador' will bid to become a two-division champion a week on Sunday morning when he fights Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in the main event of UFC 317 in Las Vegas.
And he plans to win his second belt in as equally devastating a fashion as his first.
He said: Charles is a great fighter.
"I'd say he's a legendary fighter, one of the few still active in the UFC.
"But the truth is that his style fits perfectly with mine to put him to sleep in the first round.
"Because he has no mobility, he doesn't move."
5

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Daily Mail​

an hour ago

• Daily Mail​

Lamine Yamal insists he did NOT try to meet adult film star, 29, after she threatened to leak voice messages from the Barca teenager - just days after he was spotted with a different model 12 years older than him

Lamine Yamal has denied he tried to meet up with an adult film star as debate emerged on who ensured a meeting between the 17-year-old and 29-year-old didn't take place. Barcelona star Yamal has burst onto the scene in recent months due to his staggering success at both club and international level, representing Barca and Spain respectively. In the off-season, the teenager has taken the time to enjoy some downtime - he is currently in Rio de Janeiro with 'idol' Neymar, having previously jetted off on holiday with another woman 12 years his senior. Now, though, just days after images of Yamal and OnlyFans model Fati Vazquez emerged, he has been drawn into a debate over a meeting with Claudia Bavel that never came to fruition. Yamal indirectly featured on Spanish TV show TardeAR, which saw producers air an off-air conversation with Yamal that saw him claim he didn't meet Bavel because he 'wasn't interested' in a discussion between the two. Alex Alvarez, meanwhile - a reporter on the show - alleged that there had been claims that Bavel's plan was to hire a photographer and sell images of a meet up, which Yamal said would have been impossible because he lives with his mother, who does not allow unfamiliar visitors. Bavel, though, has now spoken up herself, taking to social media to give her side of the story. The model, who was also present on TardeAR on Friday night, shared to her 259,000 followers: 'I chose not to speak publicly on this matter in 2025. However, since Lamine Yamal mentioned our alleged relationship on TardeAR, I find it appropriate to share my version with clarity and respect. 'He claims to live with his mother, but in reality lives alone. He says he rejected me, when he was the one who sought my contact and insisted on meeting. He denies we've met, despite crossing paths at several social events. 'I respectfully ask that offensive and defamatory messages stop. I have NEVER had any relationship with a minor, never arranged a meeting, and there was never any plan involving fame or money. 'The only thing we agree on is that no meeting or situation ever happened between us. Behind the headlines and public opinion, there are people. Out of respect, I ask for understanding and restraint.' Speaking on the show later that day, she added that they didn't meet because she didn't want to meet a minor. She also claimed to have voice notes of Yamal saying they could spend time together despite the age gap. She said she cut off contact with the star a long time ago, but alleged that she recently received a message from Yamal threatening her to not speak about their conversations. 'Ask her if you like,' Yamal had said. 'She'll probably pull out the excuse that "he's a minor", but we never met because I told her I wasn't interested.' Bavel - who was previously involved in a row with Real Madrid and Spain legend Iker Casillas - was appearing on the show on Friday night, after the original news was reported on Thursday. Vazquez (left) and Yamal (right) were both seen relaxing by the same pool on holiday in Italy The new controversy comes after photos were published of Yamal on holiday with Spanish flight attendant and social media influencer Fati Vazquez, who is 29 years old. Spanish magazine Lecturas published images of the pair on a jet ski together on the island of Pantelleria in the south of Sicily. It followed Yamal and Vazquez posting photos from the same location in recent days, with the pair enjoying a life of luxury that has included going on a boat trip, relaxing by a pool and flying in a helicopter. Lecturas wrote that the pair 'don't want to put a name to their obvious friendship', but said they 'get along perfectly'. 'Their closeness is such that they didn't hesitate to go on vacation at a key moment,; they added. 'They wanted to get away from it all and celebrate the season's many successes.' The report claimed there is a 'clear connection between them' and 'the age difference is not an obstacle to their understanding'. Yamal, however, has denied that they are a couple after speaking with gossip expert Javi de Hoyos. De Hoyos claims 'he's been able to speak to Yamal, and he categorically denies that he's with Vazquez; he says they have nothing going on. 'Lamine didn't go to this vacation spot alone, but with other Barca team-mates,' De Hoyos added. Vazquez has also spoken out about the backlash she has received, while stating she is 29 years old, after initially being reported as 30. The influencer said that she has received death threats following the photos of her with Yamal, while stating they are 'two people who want to have a good time'. 'I'm getting really p****d off, people are even wishing me dead because of it,' Vazquez told Spanish television show La familia de la tele. 'I'm receiving death threats and messages calling me a paedophile. 'First, I'm 29, I haven't made it to the thirties yet. I haven't done anything, haven't killed anyone. The reactions are just too heavy and it's even affecting him [Lamine]. 'I don't want to say anything more or make a big deal out of it or make it morbid, because I think it's completely unnecessary. 'We're just two people who want to have a good time, and that's it.' Vazquez shared another post on Instagram, responding to critics, of her in a swimming pool in Italy, with the caption: 'Imagine talking bad about me and I'm over here like this.'

Daily Record

3 hours ago

• Daily Record

Conor McGregor links up with Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers in Ibiza days after 'punch' incident

McGregor has been pictured linking up with Celtic manager Rodgers in Ibiza, just days after the former UFC champion was allegedly involved in a nightclub altercation Conor McGregor has been spotted rubbing shoulders with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers in Ibiza. The UFC star - who previously claimed he has held discussions to become a Celtic shareholder - took to social media on Friday evening to post a photo of himself alongside the Hoops boss, who was cradling a baby in the image. ‌ "LEGENDARY DOUBLE CHAMP LINK UP! NEXT YEAR, TREBLE! GOD IS GREAT! @CelticFC @ufc Congrats to the Rodgers family on the new addition to their family," McGregor captioned the picture on his social media platforms. ‌ This encounter between Rodgers and McGregor occurred shortly after the latter was reportedly involved in a scuffle at an Ibiza nightclub. The Sun published footage early Tuesday from Pacha nightclub, which purportedly shows McGregor leaning down to speak to an unidentified man on the dance floor. Seconds later, the 36 year old seems to launch two punches. Following the incident, the man was seen hitting the ground, prompting witnesses to share their accounts of what transpired. One eyewitness told The Sun that it seemed there were no repercussions for the ex-dual-weight UFC titleholder. "The guy seemed to fall to the floor, and his mates came to pick him up and get him away," they reported to The Sun. "There [didn't appear to be any] consequences for Conor." Another recounted: "About five people fell to the floor as the guy stumbled back. It was a bit like bowling pins, but the guy was really shaken." They continued: "About a minute later, the bouncers came and got him on the back and took him out of the club. ‌ "It was right before close anyway," they added. "There was no messing around; they just removed him. Conor left through the garden a bit later; he didn't look very happy." Since then, McGregor has shared that he was in Ibiza after treating his football teammates to a trip to the Spanish resort. The UFC star has been playing in an over 35's league with his local pub team and celebrated their recent league victory. "To celebrate winning the league I took the @blackforgeinn football squad away on holiday to Ibiza! All expenses paid, VIP's," McGregor posted on social media along with a selection of snaps and clips from their getaway. He elaborated: "LEAGUE CHAMPIONS, BABY! Reach out, link up, join a team! Get active! For the sake of your mental health you will thank yourself! #ibizapartyisland." Three years ago, McGregor stated talks took place with Dermot Desmond about his shares to provide financial backing for the Parkhead side.

Daily Mirror

4 hours ago

• Daily Mirror

Jake Paul claims Canelo Alvarez has medical condition only he has spotted

The 'Problem Child' and Alvarez have traded barbs in recent months after their rumoured fight was scrapped at the eleventh hour after the Mexican penned a deal with Riyadh Season Jake Paul stunned fans after claiming long-time rival Canelo Alvarez has a medical condition that has never been mentioned before. The 'Problem Child' - who made his professional boxing debut back in 2020 - is set to return to the ring next weekend against former middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - a former opponent of Alvarez. Paul has not fought since defeating boxing icon Mike Tyson last November. Despite failing to get the knockout, the 28-year-old scored a dominant decision victory. ‌ With Paul in the final stages of preparations for his showdown with Chavez Jr, the American took a brief moment to offer his verdict after Alvarez's super-fight with Terence Crawford was made official. The blockbuster clash with take place at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on September 13. ‌ Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh and UFC president Dana White will promote the historic card. It was also confirmed that Netflix will be the official global broadcast partner. Rather discussing the bout, Paul was a little more interested in the fight poster and appeared to take a slight swipe at 'Saul.' Taking to X - formerly known as Twitter - the 28-year-old posted a close-up image of Canelo's feet from the fight poster, captioning the post: 'Told you he's a p**a. P**aaaaaaaa.' Paul has since deleted the post - but his comments appear to imply that the American believes the super-middleweight king suffers from plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain on the bottom of your foot, around your heel and arch. Symptoms of the condition include pain and stiffness in the heel and arch of the foot, often worse in the morning or after periods of rest, pain that gradually improves with activity but worsens with prolonged standing or walking or stiffness in the foot, especially upon waking or after sitting for a while. People who suffer from plantar fasciitis are advised to get plenty of rest and reduce activities that aggravate the pain, apply ice packs to the affected area to reduce inflammation and regular stretching of the calf muscles and plantar fascia can help relieve symptoms. Paul and Alvarez have traded barbs over the last few months. The 'Problem Child' slammed the Mexican after the four-weight world champion signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season instead of facing the YouTuber. The two parties had been in talks to fight in May before the deal collapsed. Paul was quick to hit out at Alvarez, claiming that a contract for the clash was signed by the two parties. "We had a signed contract to fight," Paul said in a video posted on social media. "Here you can see Canelo's signature and my signature to the right. Claiming he's not fighting YouTubers. Bulls***... Claiming he's fighting real fighters, but he's fighting [Terence] Crawford, a 135-pound fighter, and running from a real fighter like David Benavidez. You b****." He added: "The truth is, you can be bought. You're a money-hungry squirrel chasing your next nut. The truth is, these sports-washing, shady characters are paying you hundreds of millions of dollars to stop our fight from happening because they couldn't fathom the fact that they can't create a bigger fight than me and you."