UFC 308 is just hours away, with the highly anticipated featherweight title fight between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria headlining the event. The bout has already created a stir within the MMA community and has echoed throughout the Middle East. This time, however, there’s a thrilling twist as Topuria astonished fans by appearing at the staredown with none other than Sergio Ramos, one of Spain’s all-time greatest defenders, by his side, generating an outpouring of support from his Spanish fans.

Their off-stage banter and shared energy have already captivated fans. When asked about his experience moving from the football field to the MMA arena, Ramos said, “A different energy. The shit—very good.” Speaking about the staredown’s intensity, he added, “You can already feel it—the magic.” While ‘Blessed’ appeared calm during the face-off, Topuria consistently taunted him, with Ramos chiming in to support Topuria, even playfully mocking Max Holloway with, “He doesn’t talk, does he? The other guy, right? He seems already scared.”

Topuria responded, cementing his confidence, “I am the best in the world. I am the best in the world, and he knows it. You are going to realize why I am the best in the world tomorrow. Victory is my only option; there is no other option.”

Ramos’s stance toward Max Holloway is understandable, given ‘Blessed’s’ loyalty to Barcelona. This allegiance became evident recently when Holloway received a customized Barcelona jersey. Ramos, a Real Madrid legend who dedicated 16 prime years to the club before moving to Paris Saint-Germain and eventually returning to Sevilla where his career began, undoubtedly continues to hold ‘Los Blancos’ close to his heart. Of course, he’ll be rooting for them in tomorrow’s ‘El-Classico’ clash against Barcelona.

What does Ilia Topuria have to say about Max Holloway receiving a Barcelona jersey?

UFC 308 will forever stay rent-free in sports fans’ minds, not just for its stacked fight card but for merging two different athletic worlds. Ilia Topuria, a Spanish-Georgian fighter who has lived in Spain for over a decade, has embraced the colors of Real Madrid. With Real Madrid set to lock horns against Barcelona tomorrow in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabéu, Barcelona is looking to rally support. To gain Max Holloway’s allegiance, they presented him with a customized number 9 jersey, hoping to sway his favor.

Upon receiving the gift, ‘Blessed’ couldn’t hide his excitement as he expressed his thoughts on tomorrow’s football match, saying, “Yeah, I got gifted from Barcelona, and they gave me the number 9 for a striker. ‘Cause they know… So I guess Barcelona goes 2 and 0 Saturday night.” Holloway underscored the upcoming clash in Spanish football, prompting Topuria to take a jab at ‘Blessed’ and Barcelona, declaring, “He was wearing the Barcelona jersey? Oh, he declared himself a loser… he’s going to lose.”

What’s your take on Sergio Ramos’s remark? Do you think that in the heat of the moment, while supporting his friend Ilia Topuria, he really crossed the line by disrespecting a veteran like Max Holloway? Drop your opinion below.