Ilia Topuria left his new nickname just a few weeks after he unveiled it to the world.
The former champion of the UFC Vederweight is known as 'El Matador' during his career.
After beating Max Holloway at UFC 308, his 145 pound belt and his decision to go to the lightweight division, Ilia Topuria announced that the next phase of his career will come with a new nickname.
The 14-0 Spaniard renamed 'La Leyenda', which translates into 'The Legend' in English.
Photo by Aldara Zarraoa/Getty images
Ilia Topuria offers a nickname update
The new name of Topuria received a mixed reception from fans, who loved his old nickname.
Paddy Pimblett told Topuria to leave 'La Leyenda' shortly after the new title was confirmed.
On Thursday, the pound-for-pound superstar revealed that he goes back to 'El Matador'.
“I have thought about it, and the truth is that we often do not appreciate it in life until we almost lose it or actually lose it,” Topuria told El Hormiguero.
“And that is what happened to me with 'The Matador', so I will remain 'the Matador' until that happens.”
What is the next step for Ilia Topuria?
In the same interview, Topuria gave details about his return to the Octagon at UFC 317.
The 28-year-old confirmed that on 28 June he will fight against Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira for lightweight gold.
The opponent of Topuria depends on the coming welterweight title fight between Belal Muhammad and Jack della Maddalena, who will lead UFC 315 in Montreal, Canada on Saturday evening.
Makhachev will see a victory for Muhammad on 155 pounds to defend his belt against Topuria, instead of going up to one of his training partners. If Della Maddalena scores the upset, the protege of Khabib Nurmagomedov will jump to 170 pounds, giving Oliveira the chance to win back the lightweight title against 'El Matador'.
Dana White has confirmed that Topuria's comments about the situation are accurate for UFC 315.
“Yes, there are many moving parts now,” said the UFC CEO at a press conference before the fight.
“Yes, that's pretty accurate,”