Spanish PM meets Georgian mixed martial artist Ilia Topuria
Earlier Topuria said he was planning to “ask him [Sánchez] personally for the Spanish national identity card”. Photo: Moncloa
Tweet 
Share
Pedro Sánchez, the President of Spain, on Tuesday received Georgian mixed martial arts wrestler Ilia Topuria, the UFC World Featherweight Champion, ahead of the athlete being granted Spanish citizenship.
In a social media message, Sánchez noted Topuria’s “effort, dedication and perseverance” had led him to fulfil one of his dreams.
“The second [dream] will also become a reality very soon. Your love for Spain will be reflected in your Spanish citizenship”, the Spanish PM said.
Esta mañana he recibido a @Topuriailia, el nuevo campeón mundial de peso pluma de la @ufc.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) February 27, 2024
Tu esfuerzo, dedicación y perseverancia te han llevado a cumplir uno de tus sueños.
El segundo también se hará muy pronto realidad. Tu amor por España se reflejará en tu DNI español. pic.twitter.com/weeTTnCewd
Earlier Topuria said he was planning to “ask him [Sánchez] personally for the Spanish national identity card”.
Topuria, who represents Georgia in the UFC, defeated his Australian rival and former Champion Alexander Volkanovski on February 18 to become the first athlete from his country to claim the UFC World Champion title.