Ilia Topuria is making some significant changes as he moves up to a new weight class. Not only is he changing divisions, but he is also changing his nickname.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Topuria, who recently vacated the UFC featherweight championship to compete at 155 pounds, will now be known as “La Leyenda,” which means “The Legend” in English, instead of his previous nickname “El Matador.”
During a press conference, Topuria explained his decision, saying, “‘El Matador’ has been a part of my journey so far, but it has led me to this new nickname. You need to believe in yourself before others can believe in you. That’s why my new nickname for my upcoming fights will be ‘La Leyenda.’”
Ilia Topuria is switching fight name from “El Matador” to “La Leyenda” (The Legend).
He’s making the switch to signal a “new era” in his career as he moves up to 155 pounds. 🇪🇸🌹pic.twitter.com/Bkl5wf2cOW
— Danny Segura (@dannyseguratv) March 25, 2025
Topuria, who holds an undefeated record, recently scored impressive victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, earning him the title of MMA Junkie Fighter of the Year in 2024. With his move to lightweight, Topuria has relinquished his featherweight title, setting up a title fight between Volkanovski and Diego Lopes at UFC 314 on April 12 in Miami.
While Topuria is eager for a shot at the UFC lightweight title, champion Islam Makhachev and his team believe he needs to prove himself by defeating a top contender first.
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