Cristiano Ronaldo Joins WOW FC: A New Era for MMA

Founded with modest ambitions, WOW FC has rapidly ascended to become one of Europe’s most dynamic MMA promotions, witnessing an extraordinary 400% increase in attendance over the past year. Events regularly sell out, attracting more than 5,000 spectators, while live broadcasts now extend to over 170 countries. The recent partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo is anticipated to catalyze WOW’s expansion into Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, intertwining sport with culture, fashion, entertainment, and education.

In a statement, Ronaldo expressed: “MMA embodies values I deeply resonate with—discipline, respect, resilience, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. WOW FC is crafting something distinct and influential, and I am proud to contribute to this initiative to elevate the sport and inspire future generations.”

Ronaldo further elaborated in a tweet: “I’m thrilled to announce my stake in @wowfcmma! The values we uphold—discipline, respect, resilience, and the drive for excellence—align perfectly. WOW FC is building something extraordinary, and I am honored to be involved in this project to uplift the sport and motivate the next generation.”

Topuria welcomed Ronaldo’s involvement enthusiastically, noting: “Cristiano Ronaldo’s association with WOW FC marks a significant milestone for the sport. He exemplifies professionalism, dedication, and global excellence. Together, we will elevate MMA and inspire athletes and fans worldwide to believe in the realm of possibilities.”

This partnership signifies a remarkable turnaround in the dynamic between Ronaldo and Topuria, who had previously exchanged sharp words just a year ago. Ahead of UFC 308 in October 2024, Ronaldo had publicly endorsed Max Holloway to defeat Topuria, asserting that the Spaniard had “talked too much” and failed to challenge the top contenders.

Topuria retorted at the time: “The person I’m inviting to Miami will be [Lionel] Messi, because he resides there; so forget Cristiano as long as Messi is around. I found it puzzling, really. I saw a clip where Cristiano remarked about me talking too much. If he’s saying that, something seems off. Cristiano tends to be quite vocal himself.”

In addition to his MMA endeavors, Ronaldo has been quietly cultivating a diverse portfolio beyond football. His latest venture is the Vega Private Members Club, set to debut in Madrid before year-end. According to Spanish outlet Libertad Digital, this project is a collaboration with entrepreneur Inigo Onieva and the hospitality group Mabel, co-owned by Ronaldo and businessman Manuel Campos Guallar. The exclusive club, situated on the Golden Mile, will span 1,000 square meters, featuring a mobile-phone ban, private offices, co-working spaces, and even a podcast studio during the day. By night, it will morph into a private dining and cocktail venue.

When queried about retirement in a recent interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo stated, “Soon. I believe I will be ready. It will undoubtedly be challenging and emotional. I anticipate tears; it will be exceptionally difficult. However, I have been preparing for my future since the ages of 25, 26, and 27. Thus, I believe I can manage that pressure.”

He added, “Nothing can replicate the adrenaline of scoring a goal in football. But I have other passions. Upon retirement, I will have more time for myself and my family to raise my children. I aim to be more present in their lives and pursue my hobbies. I enjoy watching UFC fights, playing padel, and delving deeper into my businesses. While I won’t transition into a full-time YouTuber, I intend to engage more in that space to learn and explore new activities. My life has revolved around football 24/7 to ensure I perform at my best.”

Ronaldo currently holds a contract with Al-Nassr until 2027 and aims to lead Portugal to success at the 2026 World Cup. However, his immediate focus remains on guiding Al-Nassr to the elusive Saudi Pro League title, with the team currently leading the standings with 27 points after nine matchdays. They are set to face Al-Najma on December 21.