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Ilia Topuria Lands Richard Mille Deal, A First in Combat Sports

The move signals luxury brands now view elite MMA as a stage for global icons.

Overview

  • Richard Mille named Ilia Topuria a “friend and partner,” making him the company’s first athlete from any combat sport.
  • The Swiss watchmaker sits in the ultra‑luxury tier, with many models priced in the six figures and a partner roster that includes Rafael Nadal, Pharrell Williams, and Formula 1 stars.
  • Richard Mille’s profile of Topuria highlights his 17‑0 record and his reign with the UFC’s featherweight and lightweight titles as the foundation for the partnership.
  • Topuria is slated to headline the UFC’s White House card in a lightweight title unification bout with Justin Gaethje, a spotlight that amplifies the endorsement’s reach.
  • Sean O’Malley said he felt “jealous” when the deal was announced and told fans he pressed to be on the same card, later confirming a fight with Aiemann Zahabi.