Al-Nassr and Portugal star Ronaldo becomes shareholder of Spanish MMA promotion
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football superstar, has officially entered the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) by becoming a shareholder in the Spanish MMA promotion WOW FC, marking a significant crossover between football stardom and combat sports.
Currently representing Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and the Portugal national team, Ronaldo announced the partnership on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
“I’m excited to share some big news: I will become a shareholder of @wowfcmma! We share values I truly believe in — discipline, respect, resilience, and the constant pursuit of excellence,” he wrote.
Ronaldo emphasized his long-standing interest in MMA, noting that he sees WOW FC as a promotion with significant potential.
“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 added.
WOW FC Welcomes Ronaldo
The promotion’s co-owner and UFC champion Ilia Topuria hailed Ronaldo’s involvement as “a powerful moment for the entire sport”, highlighting the shared ambition to take MMA to “new heights.”
WOW FC’s official statement praised the footballer, saying:
“Cristiano is much more than a sports icon; he is a global role model on and off the field. One of the greatest athletes of all time is joining our family to further accelerate the global growth of MMA.”
Why This Move Matters
- Bringing Global Attention to MMA
Ronaldo’s investment shines an international spotlight on MMA, especially in regions where the sport is still growing commercially. - Cross-Sport Branding and Influence
This move merges football’s massive fanbase with MMA, potentially attracting millions of new viewers and sponsors to the combat sports arena. - Post-Football Business Expansion
Ronaldo has already diversified into numerous ventures — fashion, hotels, gyms — and this investment signals continued expansion into the sports-entertainment sector. - Inspiring Young Athletes
By linking football values such as discipline, resilience, and respect to MMA, Ronaldo’s involvement could encourage youth participation in the sport. - Potential for WOW FC Global Growth
With Ronaldo on board, WOW FC may secure new sponsorships, media rights, and talent pipelines, accelerating its rise as a major European MMA promotion.