Cristiano Ronaldo reignites Topuria feud following Volkanovski UFC win

Alexander Volkanovski is champion once again. The Australian reclaimed the UFC featherweight title with a unanimous decision win (28–27, 29–26, 29–26) over Brazil’s Diego Lopes at UFC 314 in Miami, Florida – a hard-fought bout that marked Volkanovski’s return to form following a string of setbacks.

The title had been vacated in December by Ilia Topuria, the Spanish-Georgian fighter who had taken the belt from Volkanovski earlier in the year. In his first outing since that loss – and a prior defeat to Islam Makhachev – the 35-year-old veteran put on a clinical display of experience and composure, proving he remains a dominant force in the featherweight division.

“It’s great to be back,” Volkanovski said after the win. “I’ve never felt so much love. I told my partner I was bringing the belt home. Coming off two losses, the message was different – and now I’m back, against a beast like Diego Lopes. Adversity takes you to the top.”

Ronaldo stirs controversy with congratulatory message

Cristiano Ronaldo, currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, congratulated Volkanovski on social media following the win, posting: “Champ is back.” That short message reignited simmering tensions with Topuria, who took offense to the Portuguese star’s prior comments.

Months ago, Ronaldo had been caught on video suggesting that “El Matador” Topuria “talked too much.” In response, the UFC fighter hit back in a fiery interview with Spain’s El Partidazo on COPE, saying he would personally invite Lionel Messi to his next fight.

“I’m going to invite Messi because he lives there. So Cristiano can go fuck himself while Messi’s still around,” said Topuria.

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