Ilia Topuria has undoubtedly risen to prominence in the sport, supported by impressive statistics. The undefeated fighter has achieved remarkable feats in the Octagon and has connected with fans exceptionally well, a rare quality.
Ilia Topuria, the former featherweight champion, is scheduled to face Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 on June 28, a bout expected to further propel his career. If he wins on June 28, Topuria is poised for significant future matchups, suggesting his popularity and influence will continue to grow as long as he performs well.
While aiming for future achievements, Topuria is already on the verge of joining the sport`s all-time greats based on his social media metrics.
Ilia Topuria Nears 10 Million Instagram Followers, Set to Join Elite Group
Ilia Topuria`s featherweight title win and triumphant return to Spain, where he received an extraordinary welcome, solidified his status as a new UFC superstar. Supported strongly by both Spain and Georgia, his potential to be a prominent face of the promotion was evident during his ascent in the featherweight division.
Topuria already had a significant social media presence before winning the UFC title, and his impressive victories against Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway further boosted his following. The anticipation for UFC 317 and the vacant lightweight title main event has also significantly increased his profile among fans.
In recent days, Topuria`s Instagram following has surged, reaching 9.5 million and expected to climb further before his upcoming fight. This puts him ahead of Jon Jones (9.4 million followers).
He is now likely to become only the fifth UFC fighter to exceed 10 million followers, joining an exclusive group alongside Conor McGregor (46.4 million), Khabib Nurmagomedov (39.6 million), Ronda Rousey (17.1 million), and Islam Makhachev (10.4 million).
Opportunities for Ilia Topuria to Further Boost His Star Power
For any rising star, facing appropriate opponents and rivals is crucial for career advancement, and Ilia Topuria has plenty of potential matchups. Should he win the lightweight title at UFC 317, Topuria`s profile will undoubtedly rise, particularly with potential high-profile fights awaiting him.
A fight against Justin Gaethje promises excitement, while bouts against notable rivals like Islam Makhachev and Paddy Pimblett, also major figures in the sport, would elevate his status even further. Furthermore, a potential fight in Spain, his adoptive home, could allow ‘El Matador’ to reach new heights of popularity and demonstrate his full star potential.
