In a recent discussion, ‘El Matador’ expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi as the better player but also mentioned a growing respect for Cristiano Ronaldo. This raises questions about any tension between him and the Real Madrid star.
Indeed, there was some tension. Back in 2024, before the Max Holloway fight at UFC 308, Ronaldo remarked that Topuria talked a lot without facing top competition. Topuria reacted strongly to these comments, even saying, “I’m personally inviting Messi because he lives here. Cristiano can go f— himself as long as Messi is around.”
However, Topuria has refrained from negative comments about Ronaldo lately, possibly due to their new partnership.
Cristiano Ronaldo joins Topuria’s MMA promotion as co-owner
Despite Ronaldo’s past criticisms, Topuria has had an impressive fight record, winning against Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira to hold both the UFC featherweight and lightweight titles.
In addition to his fighting career, Topuria took on a promotional role by becoming part-owner of WOW FC (Way of Warrior FC) just two months before the Holloway fight. Surprisingly, a year later, Ronaldo also joined as a co-owner.
Ronaldo announced on X: “I will become a shareholder of @wowfcmma! We share values I truly believe in – discipline, respect, resilience, and the constant pursuit of excellence. WOW FC is building something unique and powerful, and I’m proud to join this project to help elevate the sport and inspire the next generation.”
This partnership combines two recognized figures in their sports, likely explaining Topuria’s recent comments about the ongoing GOAT debate between CR7 and Messi. Nonetheless, Topuria continues to prioritize Messi while discussing soccer.