Ilia Topuria unveils new nickname ahead of UFC lightweight move
It turns out Ilia Topuria is changing more than just his weight class. He’s also changing his nickname.
Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC), who vacated the UFC featherweight championship for a move up to 155 pounds, will debut in the division with a new nickname, according to Mundo Deportivo. Topuria previously teased a new identity and will now go from being “El Matador” to “La Leyenda,” which translates to “The Legend.”
“‘El Matador’ is something that has been with me throughout my career, throughout my rise, and it’s something that has led me to the new nickname, because a lot of people … it’s like I always say: You need to believe,” Topuria said in Spanish during a press conference. “You need to see to believe. I believe it first, and then I see it. So the nickname that will accompany me in my next fights is going to be ‘La Leyenda.'”
Ilia Topuria is switching fight name from “El Matador” to “La Leyenda” (The Legend).
He’s making the switch to signal a “new era” in his career as he moves up to 155 pounds. pic.twitter.com/Bkl5wf2cOW
— Danny Segura (@dannyseguratv) March 25, 2025
The unbeaten UFC star is coming off back-to-back knockouts of featherweight greats Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, which earned him MMA Junkie Fighter of the Year honors in 2024. By Topuria relinquishing his 145-pound title, Volkanovski will face Diego Lopes for the vacant belt in the UFC 314 headliner April 12 in Miami.
Topuria is eyeing an immediate shot at the UFC lightweight title, but champion Islam Makhachev and his team believe Topuria needs to earn his way to an opportunity by beating a top contender.