Cristiano Ronaldo and Ilia Topuria Go into Surprise Business Together

Cristiano Ronaldo and Ilia Topuria have gone into Business Together.

Football megastar, Ronaldo has become a shareholder in The Way Of Warrior FC (WOW FC), an MMA promotion that is part-owned by UFC lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria.

 In a press release from the promotion, WOW FC stated:

“WOW FC proudly announces that Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most influential and admired athletes on the planet, will become a shareholder of the company. His entry marks a defining milestone for WOW FC and a transformative moment for the future of mixed martial arts worldwide”.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Ilia Topuria go into Business Together

Everyone knows Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s one of the most recognisable people on the planet and has played in some of the biggest games in footballing history.

MUNICH, GERMANY – JUNE 08: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the UEFA Nations League 2025 final match between Portugal national team, Nationalteam and Spain National team at Munich Football Arena on June 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany. Photo Sebastian Frej Portugal national team v Spain national team – UEFA Nations League 2025 Final Copyright: xSebastianxFrejx

He has won the second most ballon d’or awards for the best footballer of the year, only behind the great Lionel Messi. Ronaldo began his career at Sporting Lisbon in his home country of Portugal before making a huge move to English giants, Manchester United. In Manchester, Ronaldo really honed his craft, becoming one of the best players in the world.

A record-breaking move to Spanish giants, Real Madrid, saw Ronaldo continue his ascent to the top of world football. We know that Topuria has an affiliation with Madrid, making this link-up logical for the two men. Cristiano Ronaldo and Ilia Topuria could be MMAs next big power duo.

Commenting on the deal, Ronaldo said:

“MMA represents values I truly believe in – discipline, respect, resilience, and the constant pursuit of excellence. WOW FC is building something unique and powerful, and I’m proud to join this project to help elevate the sport and inspire the next generation.”

Arturo Guillen, the executive chairman of WOW FC commented:
“Cristiano Ronaldo joining WOW FC is a historic moment. CR7 is more than a global superstar – he is a symbol of ambition, resilience, and excellence. His belief in our mission validates everything we’ve built and elevates the
future we are shaping. Together – with Cristiano Ronaldo and Ilia Topuria, our athletes, partners, and the millions who follow this movement – we are ready to redefine the role MMA can play in global culture.”

UFC lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria has also commented on the huge deal, stating:
“Having Cristiano Ronaldo join WOW FC is a powerful moment for the sport. He represents the highest standards of professionalism, hard work, and global excellence. Together, we will push MMA to new heights and inspire athletes and fans around the world to believe that anything is possible.”

Ilia Topuria victorious at UFC 317
June 28, 2025, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA: Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira fight in the 5-round Lightweight Title Main Event bout during the UFC 317 event at T-Mobile Arena on June 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. /Pximages Las Vegas USA – ZUMAp175 20250628_zsa_p175_230 Copyright: xAlejandroxSalazarx

WOW FC note that Cristiano Ronaldo and Ilia Topuria are “two of the most impactful athletes of their generation” and it’s hard to argue otherwise.

Could we see more mainstream sports stars investing in smaller promotions going forward?

Frazer Krohn
Frazer Krohn
Frazer Krohn is an MMA journalist who has been with MMASucka since 2019. He is the host of the MMASucka podcast, which is released every Monday. He's the author of a series of six books about MMA, which were published in 2023.

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