After Generating Over $3M With Kings League, Gerard Pique Eyes MMA Project in Spain, Says Illia Topuria

Sporting icons never rest. After a storied career, they expand into myriad territories, including sports team ownership, and reap benefits. The Michael Jordans and the David Beckhams of the world are a testament to that. Regarding living an eventful post-retirement life, FC Barcelona legend Gerard Pique is no outlier. Pique began his post-retirement activity and success story by founding a novel seven-a-side soccer tournament called the King’s League. The closing four matches of the last Kings League generated over $3 million in revenue. The veteran is set to take his success forward. This time, by venturing into MMA!

Unlike the US, Spain does not boast as impressive MMA leagues as the UFC and the Bellator. Now enter Pique and Spanish-Georgian UFC stalwart Ilia Topuria with plans to give Spain a much-needed MMA boost.

Gerard Pique and Ilia Topuria to come together and boost Spain’s MMA scene

According to RMC Sport, Ilia Topuria told ESPN that he and Gerard Pique are mulling the launch of an MMA project in Spain. “Piqué likes MMA a lot. We talked because we’re going to see if we’re going to run an MMA promoter in Spain. We talked about a lot of things. It’s the first time I’ve met him. We’ll see. I think he’ll also be in my fight against Volkanovski. We’re going to bring in fighters with a lot of potential,” said Ilia Topuria. Pique and Topuria turned heads on social networks when the two flew together to the United States recently.

Addressing the potential Spanish MMA project, Topuria added that he and Pique have been working on the proposed project for months. Therefore, they expect the successful launch of the league by the end of next year. The veteran center-back will partake in the MMA project through his sports event management company, Kosmos Holding. Kosmos Holding has already proven its class in the sporting world by launching and successfully hosting the King’s League. The seven-a-side tournament was a super hit in the first season and is now set to make its way into other regions outside Spain.

Pique’s Kings League success story

Gerard Pique and a bunch of streamers founded the King’s League in 2022. The tournament’s first edition was played earlier this year. Barcelona’s home stadium, Camp Nou, had hosted the League’s final four tournaments. Those four fixtures alone saw Pique’s Kosmos Holding generate a revenue of $3 million. Taking the success forward, Pique has plans to introduce the seven-player soccer league in France, Italy, Mexico, and certain South American countries.

READ MORE: Gerard Pique Registers Legal Victory Against Shakira Just Before Christmas

The South American Kings League projects in Argentina, Chile, and Colombia will be the first to kick-start. If things go well, Gerard Pique will have a busy time next year. Hence, Pique is proof that athletes never retire!

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