It may seem like a lifetime ago, but it is officially one year since Ilia Topuria became champion at UFC 298 on February 17. ‘El Matador’, of course, stunned the MMA world by being the first to stop the nigh unbeatable Alexander Volkanovski at featherweight. Since then the Spanish-Georgian superstar has defeated the other greatest featherweight of all time- Max Holloway.

How much the title means to ‘El Matador’ became apparent yet again as the champ officially celebrated the one year anniversary of his becoming champion. In a video doing the rounds on the internet, Topuria can be seen singing what sounds like the Spanish version of the Happy Birthday song to the belt, along with his partner, Giorgina Uzcategui Badell, and their two kids.

With these two victories over last year, ‘El Matador’ is on the cusp of becoming the featherweight GOAT. After all, not only did he beat the two greatest featherweights in the sport’s history, he has done so via knockouts.

While Alexander Volkanovski fell to a massive right hook from Ilia Topuria in the second round exactly one year ago, the champ also became the first fighter ever to knockout Holloway at UFC 308 last October. And while some fans found Topuria celebrating the one year anniversary of winning the title admirable, others weren’t as enthusiastic. Why? Well, lets find out.

Fans react to Ilia Topuria celebrating one year since he won the title

Of course, Topuria has been saying that he wants to move up to lightweight, perhaps for good since he finds the weight cuts to 145-pounds very punishing on his body. But one fan had an excellent idea for Topuria to cement his legacy as the greatest featherweight of all time by rematching Volkanovski and the fighting two young and hungry lions in Movsar Evloev and Diego Lopes before he moves up. “3 defenses in this year (Volk, Lopes, Evloev) and then move up in 2026? What about?”

Another fan, however, didn’t think ‘El Matador’ deserved to celebrate since he was not happy with Topuria’s level of activity, especially compared to the remarkably active previous champ- Alexander Volkanovski. “1 defence in a year volk would of had tripled that in 6 months” But another fan did not agree at all with this comment, pointing out that Topuria’s level of activity was, all things considered, pretty standard for a reigning champion. “Dawg chill he fought once since last year Feb that’s fighting like once every six or 7 months that’s like the average ufc champ”

Another fan was much harsher on Topuria’s critics online and felt that their criticism was a clear case of sour grapes since the Spanish-Georgian champ had destroyed their favorite fighters. “Ilia Victims are crying in the comments 🤣🤣🤣😂😭” The way Topuria beat Volkanovski has convinced many that the Aussie is past his prime. But one fan was sure that UFC 298 was a fluke and felt that ‘Volk’ will surely regain his title in a rematch. “Volks taking it back in the rematch”

One fan was clearly the superstitious kind and thought that by celebrating this anniversary, Topuria had all but made sure that he would lose the title soon. “You just jinxed yourself”

What do you think about Ilia Topuria celebrating the one year anniversary of winning the UFC featherweight title?