Ilia Topuria: UFC Champion Who Inspired ‘Shark’ Ferran Torres

In a spectacular showdown, Ilia Topuria secured his UFC featherweight title by delivering a knockout blow to Volkanovski in the second round. This triumph not only marked his dominance in the octagon but also etched Topuria’s name in history as the first Spanish fighter to reign in a category of the premier mixed martial arts promotion. His competitive spirit and fighting philosophy played a pivotal role in this achievement, influencing even football sensation Ferran Torres.

The UFC champion’s journey took an intriguing turn when, in the summer of 2023, Ferran Torres, the FC Barcelona forward, sought inspiration from Topuria. Traveling to Jacksonville, Florida, ahead of one of ‘El Matador’s’ fights, Torres not only provided support but engaged in a conversation that, as he admitted on the ‘The Wild Project’ podcast, triggered a transformative shift in his mindset, leading to the adoption of the moniker ‘The Shark.’

“I arrived on that trip as Ferran and returned as someone else,” confessed Torres. Recounting the pivotal moment, he shared, “The first time I spoke to him, after he finished a training session, I asked, timidly: ‘How do you see winning tonight?’ ‘It won’t go beyond the first round,’ he replied. At that moment, I was clear that I wanted to be like him. From that moment, I had internal conversations: ‘I want to be the best Ferran, I want to be like Ilia Topuria, I want to be indestructible.’ In the end, you start believing it,” narrated Torres.

Topuria’s mental fortitude became a catalyst for Ferran’s transformation, lifting him from a low point and a sense of directionlessness to becoming the ‘shark’ he is today. Torres, now a player who trusts immensely in his abilities, doesn’t crumble when faced with challenges. “I love the Ferran of now. I love myself,” expressed the Valencia forward in the insightful conversation with Jordi Wild. The impact of Ilia Topuria’s mindset transcends the octagon, leaving an indelible mark on the journey of a football star.