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Ilia Topuria is currently in Madrid, Spain, where he made a trip that included a visit to the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament.
During his time there, he had the opportunity to meet with Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion of the Madrid Masters 1000.
The pair spent some time chatting and playing tennis, and 'El Matador' even imparted some fighting techniques to the third-ranked ATP player inside an octagon set up at the Caja Magica.
What did he reveal about UFC Madrid?
While focusing on tennis, the featherweight champion is also looking ahead to his future in the fighting world.
Various challenges are emerging, with Brian Ortega as a potential opponent, though the idea of facing Max Holloway, the BMF belt holder, is particularly appealing.
Ilia is especially motivated by the prospect of this fight, envisioning defending his title in Spain, specifically at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Although this plan is not feasible for September or October, when Topuria plans to return to action, he has already set a date for the UFC's arrival in Spain.
"We are aiming for the first quarter of next year. It's likely UFC Spain will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu," he added.
"When I was there for the kick-off, I couldn't help but imagine and visualize the moment I would enter the octagon in such a legendary stadium."
In a conversation with El Espanol, Ilia expanded on his plans.
"It will be a pay-per-view event and will need to be scheduled late. The main fight will likely happen around four or five in the morning. It will be a nighttime affair."
Organizing a nighttime event poses logistical challenges, particularly for pay-per-view broadcasts, which is why UFC Spain's plans are postponed. Nonetheless, it will become a reality in 2025.