Ilia Topuria Brings WOW FC to Marbella’s Starlite Stage
Ilia Topuria has pushed Spanish mixed martial arts to new heights. The Spanish-Georgian UFC double champion is not only a star in the cage but also behind WOW FC. Under his leadership, the promotion has grown rapidly. Now, it is set to deliver a high-impact night of fights at the prestigious Starlite in Marbella.
Last-Minute Shake-Up in the Main Event
The week kicked off with unexpected drama. Zebenzui Ruiz, originally set to headline against Scott Pedersen, suffered a partial knee ligament tear during one of his final training sessions. This injury forced the Canarian fighter to withdraw, leaving a major gap in the event’s main attraction.
To keep the momentum, WOW FC called in Alexis Vega (6-3, 2 KO), a Peruvian MMA athlete based in Madrid and training at The Black Panther Gym. Vega last competed in July 2023, when he stopped Luigi Quezada via first-round TKO at Fusion FC. His power and proven finishing ability promise to keep the crowd engaged.
Experience Joins the Card
Adding global credibility, former UFC bantamweight Brett Johns will make his WOW FC debut. Johns, who holds five wins in the UFC, faces Levan Kirkatdze (13-5) in a professional showdown. The Welsh fighter’s presence not only boosts the event’s prestige but also raises the competitive bar for the evening.
Future Stars Step Into the Spotlight
The undercard will also feature rising talent. Dimitri Barkaia, the reigning Spanish welterweight champion, meets Theo Pino in an amateur bout. The Georgian prospect gained attention after winning four fights in just two days during the national tournament, cementing his reputation as a serious future contender.
When and Where to Watch
WOW FC Marbella takes place at the Starlite venue and begins at 21:00 local time. Fans across Spain can watch the full event live on Movistar+, the exclusive broadcaster of WOW FC MMA.
