Cristiano Ronaldo, the world’s first football billionaire, has joined Spanish MMA promotion WOW FC as a shareholder and partner alongside UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. Ronaldo aims to help expand MMA globally while promoting values of discipline, resilience, and excellence.
World’s first football billionaire Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become a shareholder and partner of WOW FC — the Spanish mixed martial arts promotion (Way of Warrior FC) — joining UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria.
The announcement was made on social‑media platform X, where Ronaldo shared his excitement over the new role and expressed confidence in WOW FC’s vision.
In his post, Ronaldo said:
“I’m excited to share some big news: I will become a shareholder of @wowfcmma! 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.”
He further explained that his decision stems from shared core values:
“We share values I truly believe in – discipline, respect, resilience, and the constant pursuit of excellence.”
WOW FC, headquartered in Madrid, has been rapidly expanding in recent months. The promotion aims to transform MMA into a mainstream global phenomenon — not just as a sport, but as a cultural force merging athletics, entertainment and global outreach.
According to WOW FC, Ronaldo’s involvement will be “organic and active,” helping athletes and audiences “feel empowered to achieve more and become better.”
Topuria welcomed the development, calling Ronaldo’s entry a “powerful moment for the sport,” stressing that the football icon embodies professionalism, hard work and global excellence. Together, they plan to elevate MMA’s profile worldwide.
The partnership represents a historic crossover between two elite sports realms — global football and mixed martial arts — potentially opening new horizons for MMA’s popularity, especially in regions where football icons draw massive attention.
For Ronaldo, this marks yet another expansion of his diverse business ventures. Known for his investments in fashion, hospitality, fitness, and branding (like the CR7 lifestyle line), stepping into MMA broadens his sports‑business footprint significantly.
By aligning with WOW FC now, he not only diversifies his portfolio — but also helps bring global spotlight and potential growth to a rising MMA promotion.