Is Cristiano Ronaldo trying his hand at MMA with Ilia Topuria?

WEB DESK: Cristiano Ronaldo has stepped into an entirely new competitive arena, this time, outside football, by acquiring a stake in WOW FC, the rapidly growing Spanish mixed martial arts organisation. His investment places him alongside UFC champion Ilia Topuria, marking a major shift for the promotion as it targets wider global visibility.

WOW FC has been expanding steadily throughout 2025, but Ronaldo’s entry is being described as its most significant development yet, according to Bein Sports. The organisation, already considered Spain’s leading MMA promotion, expects the football legend’s global stature to amplify its brand far beyond Europe. With Ronaldo now part of its leadership, the company anticipates stronger financial backing and worldwide attention.

Ronaldo teams up with Ilia Topuria, who has become the face of MMA in Spain. Their partnership signals an ambitious push into new markets across Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

“For me, MMA embodies the principles I live by, hard work, respect, mental strength and the pursuit of greatness,” Ronaldo said after confirming his involvement. WOW FC executives say his contribution will go beyond finances, noting that the athlete intends to engage directly with the promotion’s long-term plans and help connect the sport with younger audiences.

They believe Ronaldo’s influence will enhance MMA’s presence not only in sports but also in lifestyle, fashion and broader cultural spaces.

Ronaldo joins the promotion at a time of unprecedented momentum. WOW FC’s events now attract more than 5,000 spectators per card, a massive jump of over 400% in attendance, and its broadcasts are available in more than 170 countries. CEO Arturo Guillén called the partnership “transformational,” describing Ronaldo as “a symbol of drive and excellence whose involvement will accelerate our international roadmap.”

Ilia Topuria, now a two-division UFC titleholder, praised the move, calling it “a defining moment for the sport.” He said that Ronaldo’s backing would inspire athletes and broaden WOW FC’s appeal on a global scale.

The Ronaldo-Topuria alliance is expected to push MMA further into the mainstream and solidify WOW FC as a major force in combat sports entertainment. Upcoming events at venues such as Buesa Arena and Madrid Arena are set to showcase this new era, signalling what many see as the start of a groundbreaking chapter for Spanish MMA.