Morning Report: Ilya Topria has 'no doubt' that she will become 'world's highest-paid athlete' in 2025

Ilia Topuria has full trust in the world.

“El Matador's” extremely talented skill set led him to a world title shot that seemed inevitable in February, when he defeated longtime featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski with a second-round knockout. Topria, a 15-0 undefeated titleholder, is only 27 years old and has quickly become a true MMA superstar.

With support from Europe, Topria's potential for popularity is limitless. The rising featherweight king is expected to earn a financial reward comparable to soccer's Cristiano Ronaldo in 2025.

“Look, there's no question in my mind that in 2025 I'll be the highest-paid athlete in the world,” Topria told Webpositor (h/t Championship Round). “I'll be there. I'd be surprised if I didn't. Really, there's no doubt in my mind.”

All of Topuria's past claims and predictions have come true so far, but unfortunately he will have a very difficult fight to achieve that goal in MMA. I don't think I'll say absolutely not.

Topuria will likely defend his title at least once before 2025, as the world waits for Max Holloway to win the title. But the champion is still not sold on the idea of ​​facing Holloway's newly won BMF crown without the undisputed strap.

“You are the BMF champion. You have a chance to win the title, you have a chance to compete for the title,” Topuria said. “What are you going to do? Are you going to fight or not fight? He said, “Sign the contract,'' and this and that. Where are you? Give your game a title.

“What I said is if he doesn't put the BMF belt on the line, I'm not going to fight him. [Holloway] It was like, “That's not how a real BMF can claim a title.”I want you to come and put this belt on the table, but you don't want to put yours. [on the table]?In other words, you want to continue playing BMF even if you lose. How does this work? I mean, which BMF are you?

Of all the matches that could take place in the near future, there are few more exciting to imagine than Toplear vs. Holloway after recent performances from both men. Even if Holloway doesn't win another gold medal, he still thinks an immediate rematch with defending champion Volkanovski would be valuable for 'El Matador.'

Besides Holloway, there's Brian Ortega, who recently returned to the win column with a third-round arm triangle choke victory over Yair Rodriguez at UFC Mexico in February, a week after Topuria won gold. Ultimately, Topria believes the options are simple and easy to sort depending on whether BMF titles are included or not.

“if [the BMF belt] “I would give Volkanovski a chance at a rematch,” Topria said. “Before that, he fought Brian Ortega, and Ortega came a lot closer to finishing Volkanovski in one fight than Max did in three fights.

“[Ortega] He always sticks his head in there and fights. He won his last match and has had some good wins. Would I want to play against him? Of course I would, because right now it's like who else is there but him? ”

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MMA Fighting's Damon Martin chats with Paige VanZant.

I'm going for a ride.

Embedding 2.

301 cruises.

What a morning. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck talks about how Tom Aspinall is completely right about UFC 304. Plus, about Jose Aldo's future after UFC 301.

Head on over to Twitter and use the #MorningReport hashtag or find my tweets containing it and send me the jams you're currently into. I'll cheer you on by picking the best of my daily picks! You can also share them in the comments below. Sometimes it can be difficult to sift through comments.

The king is back.

Celebrate like a champ.

stare.

Wonder Boy.

Pavlovich.

history.

disease.

Andre Lima (8-0) vs. Nyamjargal Tumendenberel (8-0) UFC 302, June 1st

alex perez (25-8) vs. Tagir Ulambekov (15-2); UFC Vegas 93, June 15th

Ilia seems to have forgotten what sport she is participating in.

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