Ilia Topuria revealed his new nickname, which means “The Legend” in English, ahead of his next UFC fight

Ilia Topuria, one of the most promising and dominant fighters in the UFC, has recently undergone a significant transformation. Known for his unrelenting ferocity in the octagon, Topuria has made a bold statement by changing his nickname from “El Matador” to “La Leyenda,” which translates to “The Legend” in English. This symbolic change marks a turning point in his career as he sets his sights on new challenges, including conquering the UFC lightweight division and solidifying his place among the legends of mixed martial arts (MMA).

This article takes an in-depth look at Ilia Topuria’s rise to stardom, his accomplishments, and what this nickname change signifies for his future in the sport. We’ll explore his cultural impact, fighting style, community engagement, and his ambitions to carve out a legacy worthy of the name “La Leyenda.”

The Rise of Ilia Topuria: A Fighter Forged in Diversity

Ilia Topuria’s path to UFC greatness was anything but conventional. Born in Halle Westfalen, Germany, to Georgian parents, Topuria relocated to Alicante, Spain, at a young age. Growing up with a multicultural background, Topuria’s fighting style reflects his diverse upbringing—a fusion of Georgian wrestling techniques, Spanish grit, and technical brilliance.

Topuria began his martial arts journey with Greco-Roman wrestling before transitioning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), where he quickly made a name for himself by winning grappling tournaments. His success on the mat eventually led him to pursue MMA, where he showcased a well-rounded skill set that combined elite grappling, knockout power, and tactical precision.

By the time Topuria made his UFC debut in 2020, he had already amassed an undefeated record and established himself as a fighter to watch. His nickname at the time, “El Matador,” paid homage to his Spanish roots and reflected his fighting philosophy: graceful, calculated, and lethal.

“El Matador” Becomes “La Leyenda”: A New Identity for a New Era

As Topuria’s career progressed, his ambitions grew. He wasn’t content with just being another fighter in the UFC—he wanted to become a legend. Ahead of his next fight, Topuria announced that he would be retiring the nickname “El Matador” and adopting “La Leyenda.”

The name change represents more than just a rebranding. It signifies Topuria’s desire to leave a lasting legacy in the sport. “La Leyenda” captures his goal of achieving greatness, not only by winning titles but by inspiring future generations of fighters.

In an interview discussing the change, Topuria explained that while “El Matador” was a reflection of his roots, “La Leyenda” is a projection of his future—a future where he is remembered as one of the all-time greats.

A Stellar UFC Career: Topuria’s Path to the Featherweight Championship

Topuria’s dominance in the UFC featherweight division has been nothing short of extraordinary. His explosive power, elite grappling, and tactical acumen have made him a nightmare for opponents. Some of his most notable victories include:

• Knockout of Jai Herbert: A brutal right hand that showcased Topuria’s one-punch knockout power.

• Submission Win over Ryan Hall: Demonstrating his grappling prowess by neutralizing Hall’s dangerous leg lock game.

• Victory Against Josh Emmett: A masterclass performance that solidified his status as a top contender.

In February 2024, Topuria achieved his crowning moment when he defeated Alexander Volkanovski to claim the UFC Featherweight Championship. The victory was a testament to his versatility, as he outstruck and outgrappled one of the most well-rounded fighters in the sport.

The Move to Lightweight: A New Challenge Awaits

With the featherweight division conquered, Topuria is now setting his sights on the UFC lightweight division. This move presents new challenges, as the fighters in this weight class are larger and possess different skill sets. However, Topuria remains confident in his ability to dominate at 155 pounds.

His decision to move up in weight is driven by his desire to become a two-division champion—a feat accomplished by only a select few in UFC history. By adopting the nickname “La Leyenda,” Topuria is signaling that he is ready to take on this challenge and cement his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time.

Community Impact: Topuria’s Connection to Toledo

Topuria’s influence extends beyond the octagon. In a recent ceremony held in Toledo, Spain, the city honored him by naming a street after him: “Paseo Ilia Topuria.” This gesture reflects Topuria’s impact on the local community and his role as a cultural icon in Spain.

During the ceremony, Topuria expressed his gratitude and emphasized the importance of giving back to the community. He has visited local gyms, schools, and hospitals, inspiring young athletes and promoting the values of discipline, hard work, and perseverance.

Topuria’s community engagement is an integral part of his legacy. By adopting the nickname “La Leyenda,” he is not only aiming to leave a mark on the sport but also to inspire the next generation of fighters.

The Significance of a Fighter’s Nickname

In combat sports, a fighter’s nickname often carries deep meaning. It can reflect their fighting style, personality, or aspirations. For Topuria, the transition from “El Matador” to “La Leyenda” represents an evolution in his career.

While “El Matador” highlighted his tactical approach and Spanish heritage, “La Leyenda” projects his ambition to achieve legendary status. It’s a bold statement, but one that is consistent with Topuria’s mindset and goals.

What’s Next for Ilia Topuria?

As Topuria prepares for his lightweight debut, the MMA world is eagerly anticipating how “La Leyenda” will fare against new adversaries. Some potential matchups in the lightweight division include:

• Justin Gaethje: A clash of styles that would test Topuria’s striking and durability.

• Dustin Poirier: A high-stakes battle with one of the division’s elite fighters.

• Charles Oliveira: A showdown with one of the best grapplers in MMA history.

Regardless of who he faces next, Topuria’s journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. His combination of technical skill, physicality, and mental toughness makes him a legitimate threat in any weight class.

Can Topuria Achieve Legendary Status?

Ilia Topuria’s journey from “El Matador” to “La Leyenda” is a story of ambition, evolution, and unwavering self-belief. By changing his nickname, he is embracing a new chapter in his career—one that is focused on achieving greatness and leaving a lasting legacy.

Topuria’s success in the featherweight division, his impact on the community, and his aspirations for the future all point to a fighter who is determined to be remembered as one of the all-time greats.

Whether he can achieve his goal of becoming a two-division champion remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Ilia Topuria is on a path to legendary status, and the MMA world is watching every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

Ilia Topuria’s decision to change his nickname from “El Matador” to “La Leyenda” marks a significant milestone in his career. It reflects his aspirations to achieve legendary status within the UFC as he embarks on a new journey in the lightweight division.

With his impressive skill set, unbreakable mindset, and deep connection to his roots, Topuria is poised to leave an indelible mark on the sport of MMA. As “La Leyenda,” he is ready to take on new challenges, inspire future generations, and solidify his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of his era.