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Ilia Topuria recibiendo un homenaje en el duelo entre el Real Madrid y el Sevilla en LaLiga EA Sports 2023 24

HE ALSO SPOKE ABOUT HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH FERRAN TORRES AND PEDRI

Ilia Topuria 'surrenders' to Lamine Yamal: "He has everything to be one of the best in history"

Published:26/09/2024 - 20:53h

Updated:27/09/2024 - 01:36h

Ilia Topuria, a prominent figure in the world of MMA, took a moment to step away from his discipline and talk about three great Barça talents: Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Pedri González

Calendar of FC Barcelona

Talking about Ilia Topuria is to refer to one of the most prominent names in the Spanish sports scene today. The Hispanic-Georgian has just been crowned the world featherweight champion in the UFC, after defeating Alexander Volkanovski by knockout on February 17. Now, the athlete from Alicante will have to defend his title on October 26 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, where he will face the Hawaiian Max Holloway.

However, this time, when speaking of Topuria, his name has recently gained prominence for a completely different reason than the world of MMA. Despite being a confessed Real Madrid supporter, Ilia did not hesitate to praise three players from FC Barcelona: Lamine Yamal, Pedri González, and Ferran Torres in an interview on the 'Back to Back' segment of the RAC1 program.

Topuria Showered Praises on Lamine Yamal

The first mentioned was Lamine Yamal, whom Topuria predicts a brilliant future in sports due to the qualities he demonstrates every matchday. "He's a magical kid. He is doing everything right, and I have no doubts that he will continue like this because he is passionate about football. I wish him the best, he has everything to be one of the best in history and enter the champions' book," he remarked.

His Relationship with Pedri González and Ferran Torres

In the same vein, Topuria also revealed that he has been in contact with Pedri González, although he has not had the chance to meet the footballer in person yet, a situation he hopes to resolve soon. "I have spoken with Pedri a few times; I am sure we will be able to meet soon," he added.

Furthermore, Topuria concluded his statements by talking about Ferran Torres, the Barcelona player with whom he seems to have a better relationship. It should be noted that the 'Shark,' as he mentioned on one occasion after a conversation with Ilia during a visit to the United States, changed his way of seeing things and facing challenges. A conversation that, as the athlete affirmed, he holds fond memories of.

"I was moved when Ferran came to see me; he is an excellent person, and I don't know what I could have said to change his life, but he must know that he has always followed the right path, that of pursuing his dreams," he concluded.