Ilia Topuria Drops ‘La Leyenda’, Returns with ‘El Matador’ After Mixed Reactions from Fans

In the ever-evolving world of mixed martial arts, fighters often craft their identities not just inside the cage, but through their nicknames, personas, and branding. For Ilia Topuria, the reigning UFC featherweight champion, the decision to briefly rebrand himself as “La Leyenda” (The Legend) didn’t quite resonate with the fanbase as expected. Following a wave of mixed reactions, Topuria has now officially returned to his iconic moniker, “El Matador.”

The move is more than a name change—it’s a calculated adjustment that reflects the complex dynamics between fighters, fans, and personal identity in modern MMA. As Topuria prepares for his next chapter in the UFC, his decision to revert to “El Matador” speaks volumes about his awareness, humility, and ability to engage with the global MMA audience.

‘La Leyenda’ Fails to Connect: Fans Push Back

When Ilia Topuria briefly announced that he would be known as “La Leyenda” following his dominant title victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, the response from fans was swift—and divided. While some admired the confidence and ambition of a young fighter calling himself “The Legend” so early in his championship reign, many saw it as premature, arrogant, and even cringe-worthy.

On social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, the backlash began to pick up steam. Comments ranged from humorous to harsh, with fans questioning whether Topuria had earned such a title after a single championship bout. Although his victory was stunning and undeniable, many believed that claiming “legend” status so soon clashed with the usual progression of greatness in the sport.

“One title win doesn’t make you a legend,” one fan wrote.
“He’s great, but ‘La Leyenda’? Come on, it’s too early,” another chimed in.

The issue wasn’t just the nickname—it was the timing, and the way it disrupted the organic narrative fans were building around Topuria’s career. The name “El Matador”, by contrast, had become synonymous with Topuria’s aggressive yet precise style, his Spanish-Georgian roots, and his ability to outclass elite opponents with poise and intensity.

Return of ‘El Matador’: Identity Reclaimed

Recognizing the disconnect, Topuria made the strategic move to drop “La Leyenda” and return to the nickname that helped define his rise in the UFC: El Matador.

“El Matador” isn’t just a catchy title—it encapsulates Topuria’s calculated violence, his flair for performance under pressure, and his commitment to being both a showman and a killer inside the Octagon. The symbolism of a bullfighter fits Topuria’s style perfectly: methodical, stylish, deadly.

By reclaiming his original nickname, Topuria not only restored the connection with his fans, but also re-established the humble, hard-working persona that made his rise so compelling in the first place. It was a reminder that despite his early success, he is still in pursuit of true greatness—and legends are built, not claimed overnight.

The Power of Branding in the UFC

Nicknames in MMA are more than promotional gimmicks—they’re extensions of a fighter’s brand, identity, and psychological warfare. Names like “The Notorious” (Conor McGregor) or “Bones” (Jon Jones) became inseparable from their legends. For Topuria, “El Matador” fits in this tradition far more seamlessly than “La Leyenda” ever could.

The UFC has seen fighters try to rebrand before, but rarely has a fighter so quickly reversed course based on fan reception. Topuria’s decision highlights the increasing role fans play in shaping the narrative. In today’s social media-driven world, where fighters are their own marketers, understanding public perception is as crucial as in-cage strategy.

Topuria has shown he’s listening—and adapting.

Ilia Topuria: The Rise of a Champion

There’s no denying Ilia Topuria’s credentials. The 27-year-old fighter has emerged as one of the most talented and complete competitors in the featherweight division. His meteoric rise culminated in a spectacular knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, ending the Australian’s long reign and announcing a new era in the division.

Topuria’s blend of boxing, grappling, and mental toughness makes him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the 145-pound weight class. At 15-0, with 13 finishes, he brings both star power and excitement, and the UFC knows he’s a valuable asset in a post-Volkanovski world.

Next Challenges on the Horizon

As he moves forward with the “El Matador” brand back in full force, the question now is: who’s next for Topuria?

There are several exciting possibilities:

• Max Holloway, now the BMF titleholder, remains the biggest name in the division and could present Topuria with the kind of legacy-defining fight that fans want.

• A rematch with Volkanovski is also in the conversation, depending on how quickly the former champion wants to return.

• Rising contenders like Movsar Evloev, Arnold Allen, or even a returning Yair Rodriguez offer intriguing matchups stylistically.

Topuria has made it clear that he’s not ducking anyone. In multiple interviews, he’s emphasized his desire to stay active and fight the best.

Global Appeal: Spain and Georgia Unite

What makes Topuria truly unique is his international appeal. Born in Germany to Georgian parents, raised in Spain, and trained globally, he represents a multicultural identity that resonates across different continents. In Spain, he’s already a national superstar—a rarity in MMA, where European representation outside the UK has been historically limited.

Following his UFC title win, he was invited to meet with Spanish royalty and received recognition from political and sports leaders across the country. His embrace of the Spanish fighting spirit is what helped “El Matador” become such a fitting nickname in the first place. By returning to that identity, he’s reaffirming his roots, cultural pride, and the symbolic role he plays for MMA fans in Spain and Georgia alike.

Merchandising and Business Moves

The nickname switch also has commercial implications. “El Matador” is a brand already familiar to fight fans, and one that has been used in his merchandise, social media handles, and promotional campaigns. “La Leyenda” never had that level of traction.

Dropping “La Leyenda” allows Topuria to refocus his branding without confusing the marketplace. In the world of fight business, where merchandise, sponsorships, and fan loyalty contribute to long-term revenue, consistency matters.

Staying Grounded Amid Stardom

Despite his rising fame, Topuria has remained grounded. In interviews following his win, he expressed gratitude to his team, family, and fans. While the nickname “La Leyenda” may have signaled a move toward self-mythologizing, the return to “El Matador” suggests a fighter who wants to let his performances do the talking.

His training videos show him grinding hard, sparring top-tier competition, and working on both his striking and grappling. There’s a fire in his approach that reveals he’s not content with just one belt. He’s chasing legacy the right way—by earning it, not declaring it.

A Message to the Division: El Matador Is Here to Stay

With the return of the “El Matador” persona, Ilia Topuria has sent a clear message to both fans and rivals alike: he knows who he is. And he knows where he’s going.

He is not just a flash-in-the-pan champion. He is building a career that could rival the likes of Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, and Alexander Volkanovski in the long run. But for now, the focus is on continuing to win, defending his title, and keeping the fans engaged—with the right nickname and the right mindset.

Final Thoughts: The Legend Can Wait

Ilia Topuria dropping “La Leyenda” was a smart, fan-first move that showed maturity, self-awareness, and strategic thinking. While the nickname might return someday—once he’s truly done enough to be called a legend—it’s clear that for now, the world wants “El Matador.”