Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has officially stepped into the MMA world, announcing that he’s now a shareholder in the Madrid-based promotion WOW FC.
The football legend shared the news via press release on Thursday, confirming his partnership with UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria as they work to elevate the fast-growing organization.
Ronaldo, 40, spent nearly a decade dominating football in Spain during his iconic run with Real Madrid, where he became the club’s all-time top scorer with 450 goals. Now playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, the Portugal captain has long shown interest in MMA, even briefly clashing with Topuria earlier in 2024. Ronaldo accused the Spanish-Georgian star of talking “too much,” and Topuria fired back: “I didn’t expect someone like you to be unable to distinguish between confidence and arrogance.”
Despite that war of words, the two are now business partners under the WOW FC banner, an acronym for Way of Warrior Fighting Championship.
“MMA represents values I truly believe in: discipline, respect, resilience, and the constant pursuit of excellence,” Ronaldo said in a press release. “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.”
Topuria echoed that energy as the promotion embraces its new era with Ronaldo on board.
“Having Cristiano Ronaldo join WOW FC is a powerful moment for the sport,” Topuria said. “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.”
Earlier this year, Topuria vacated his UFC featherweight title before moving up to lightweight, where he knocked out former champion Charles Oliveira in the first round to claim the vacant belt. His first title defense is yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has had his own headlines in recent weeks. FIFA suspended the final two matches of his three-game ban, meaning he will be eligible to start for Portugal at the World Cup next summer. His ban came after he received a red card for an off-the-ball elbow on Dara O’Shea during a defeat to Ireland.
As Ronaldo’s legendary football career winds down, his move into MMA ownership signals a new chapter. And knowing Ronaldo, he isn’t joining WOW FC just to sit on the board, he’s entering with intention, ambition, and that trademark drive to win.
