Ilia Topuria, the undefeated UFC athlete, has made a big change to his id as he strikes as much as the light-weight division. The Spanish-Georgian fighter, who just lately vacated his featherweight title, has determined to retire his long-standing nickname “El Matador” in favor of a brand new moniker: “La Leyenda,” which interprets to “The Legend” in English.
Ilia Topuria: ‘El Matador’ or ‘La Leyenda’
Ilia Topuria introduced this alteration throughout a ceremony in Toledo, Spain, the place a avenue was named in his honor. He defined that the brand new nickname displays his perception in future greatness and his mentality of visualizing success earlier than attaining it. “You need to see to believe. I first believe it, then I see it,” Topuria acknowledged, emphasizing the reasoning behind his new id.
Nevertheless, the fighter’s transfer has not been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from UFC followers. Many have taken to social media to specific their disappointment and skepticism in regards to the nickname change. Some followers have criticized the brand new moniker as missing originality and persona in comparison with “El Matador.”
One fan commented, “El Matador had personality… The Legend sounds like something a 12 year old would name himself,” highlighting the perceived immaturity of the brand new nickname. One other fan identified the potential dangers of such a grandiose title, saying, “For some reason I feel like this isn’t going to age well lol.”
Others lamented the lack of what they noticed as a novel and becoming nickname. “El Matador was better. ‘The Killer’ He killed Volk Max and next was Islam. He ruined the perfect gimmick,” one fan remarked, referring to Ilia Topuria’s spectacular victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.
Some followers went so far as suggesting various, much less flattering nicknames. “Le Cringe’ is just more accurate,” quipped one critic, whereas one other merely acknowledged, “La Stupid nickname.”
As Topuria prepares for his light-weight debut, it stays to be seen whether or not he can reside as much as his self-proclaimed legendary standing. With Dana White confirming that an announcement about Topuria’s subsequent struggle will probably be made within the coming weeks, followers are eagerly ready to see if “La Leyenda” can silence the critics.
🚨| Ilia Topuria revealed to the Spanish media this morning that his new nickname will probably be “La Leyenda” which interprets to “The Legend” in English. 👑 pic.twitter.com/4FW6eNRCyp
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) March 25, 2025
