Spain has long been in the lower tier of European countries represented in the UFC, but that’s starting to change, and quite rapidly.
The name Ilia Topuria stands out the most when thinking of Spanish MMA. After all, Topuria is in the top five of the UFC’s official featherweight rankings, he’s undefeated, and on the brink of a title shot against champion Alexander Volkanovski.
However, there’s more going on. In 2022, the UFC partnered with La Liga, Spain’s professional soccer league, to cross-promote content. Plus, promising lightweight Joel Alvarez returns this Saturday at UFC Fight Night 224 along with recent UFC signee Dani Barez. Both obviously represent Spain.
All of this has been accompanied by massive growth in the Spanish MMA fanbase.
Ahead of Saturday’s event in London, Alvarez and Barez spoke to MMA Junkie about the state of MMA in their homeland.
The impact of Ilia Topuria in Spain
Alvarez: “The kid is a rocket. He’s taking off like a rocket. He’s actually pushed the grand growth of MMA in Spain, especially in the fanbase. That’s because apart from being the great fighter that he is, he’s also a guy that’s very marketable. He’s a big topic socially, and he attracts many people who don’t know of the sport. So yeah, the truth is that it’s great, and I’m very happy with the work that Ilia is doing. It’s all on the up.”
Barez: “Sh*t, Ilia is a super machine and an example to follow as a fighter in the UFC. People are getting used to seeing what Ilia Topuria is doing, but what Ilia is doing is not normal. That’s not the normal trajectory in the UFC, you know – showing up there and sweeping through everyone put in front of you. He’s spoiling the Spanish public and making it difficult for us more normal people. Sh*t, he’s been helping a lot.
“I wish to see more Spanish fighters in the UFC more frequently, that would help the market tremendously. Not only would that help fighters getting in, but gyms getting better here in Spain and have the public become more familiarized with the sport. This is all thanks to Ilia Topuria, Joel Alvarez has also done a great job, Juan Espino and Enrique ‘Wasabi’ also fought at UFC 200. Everyone has put in their grain of sand. Some more than others, but everyone has helped in the growth of MMA in Spain.”
Growth of MMA event in Spain, potential UFC event in 2024
Alvarez: “It’s grown a ton. I don’t know how to tell you, maybe 50 percent more (over the last year)? It’s incredible, the support that we’re getting us fighters and the size of the fan base now. I think that it’s grown so, so much. And the truth is that I’m so happy with this. I love the fact that this sport has grown so much. Personally, it makes me happy.
“I’ve said it before. I think UFC Spain in 2024 sounds nice. I think this coming year will happen. I think it will happen.”
Barez: “The other day I was doing physical therapy, and I was told UFC may look to do an event in Spain. Wow. I’ve always fought outside of Spain, so it gives me a lot of hope to fight in front of my people. It gives me hope. But like I always say, when you have everyone looking at you, you do have a bit of extra pressure, but yeah, it would really excite me to fight in Spain, a stadium at capacity, that would be brutal. It’s been a long time since I’ve fought in Spain due to circumstances, and what better way to return to Spain than in an event in Spain.”
Barez's long awaited UFC debut
Alvarez: “Happy that Dani is here finally. This guy deserved it, and I’m very happy for him, but even more happy that I’m sharing the card with him. We’re fighting on the same card, and I think that’s going to be a great time. I believe we’re both getting the wins for Spain.”
Barez: “I was saying it: If this year I didn’t make it to the UFC or a big league, I think I likely would’ve left the sport. There’s a lot of wear on the body, psychologically as well as on an economic level. I was investing too much time into this, time that could be invested somewhere else to generate money. I always said it: I’m happy with what I’ve achieved in my career previously. It’s clear that in the UFC only the best make it, but it’s not just that. It also depends on other factors. It depends on the needs of the company, that you get lucky with a fight falling through, that they’re in need of someone your weight, and all these things. I’ve given it my all to be here, but it could’ve easily not happened. I’m proud of what I’ve done, and this is the cherry on top.”
