Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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UFC Star Ilia Topuria Gets Featured In The Trailer For The First-Ever NFL Game And He Is Showing His Support For This Player!

UFC star Ilia Topuria Makes Surprise NFL trailer appearance and Throws His Support Behind American Football Star!

Sports have always found ways to cross boundaries. American football is making serious moves across Europe. The NFL’s international expansion isn’t just a business strategy, it is a cultural exchange that brings together unlikely allies from different sporting worlds.

One such unexpected pairing has everyone talking. Former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, the fighter who proudly represents Spain, has emerged as the surprising face of the NFL’s historic expansion into Spain. His appearance in the promotional trailer for the upcoming Miami Dolphins vs. Washington Commanders game in Madrid is a testament to how sports celebrities can bridge different athletic worlds.

Also Read: UFC 317- Topuria vs Oliveira Headline The Stacked International Fight Week Card, Here Are The Other Fights

NFL Makes Historic Move To Spain with Miami Dolphins-Washington Commanders Showdown

The NFL is taking its global ambitions to new heights in 2025. Madrid will host its first-ever season NFL game on November 16th at the legendary Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home of Real Madrid. The Miami Dolphins will be the home team the Washington Commanders in this groundbreaking matchup that marks American football’s official arrival in Spain.

🇪🇸 Ilia Topuria is featured in the trailer for the first ever regular-season NFL game in Spain 🏈

(h/t @pelunaton) #UFC #NFL

pic.twitter.com/nrqywGFZxi
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 13, 2025

This game is part of the NFL’s ambitious international schedule that includes contests in Dublin, London, Berlin, and Brazil. For the Dolphins, this represents their eighth international regular season game but their first time playing in Spain. They previously appeared in five UK games, one in Canada, and most recently visited Germany in 2023. The Bernabeu Stadium will transform into an American football battlefield for one historic Sunday!

Ilia Topuria Showcases His Support By Wearing Jayden Daniels Jersey

What really got social media buzzing wasn’t just the game announcement but who starred in the promotional trailer. Former UFC champion Ilia Topuria took center stage proudly sporting a Washington Commanders jersey, specifically quarterback Jayden Daniels’ number. The choice wasn’t random and immediately signaled Topuria’s allegiance in the upcoming showdown.

Topuria’s presence brings authentic Spanish connection to the NFL’s expansion efforts. Despite his Georgian heritage, ‘El Matador’ has become Spain’s adopted fighting son. After defeating Alexander Volkanovski to claim UFC gold, his star power in Spain has exploded. This power increased more after he knocked out Max Holloway, who had never been knocked out in his long career.

UFC lightweight Ilia Topuria wearing a Jayden Daniels jersey in the trailer for the #Commanders Madrid game👀#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/DKCH1PZiIK
— SleeperCommanders (@SleeperWSH) May 13, 2025

This decision to align with Washington rather than Miami sends an interesting message ahead of the game. Perhaps he sees something of himself in quarterback Daniels; another rising star ready to shake up the establishment.

When the Dolphins and Commanders finally clash at the Bernabeu, fans should not be surprised to see Topuria in the crowd. His endorsement might just help thousands of Spanish fans decide which team to support in this historic matchup. And for Washington, having one of the world’s most dangerous men in your corner certainly can’t hurt!

(Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images)

Ilia Topuria

Jayden Daniels

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!