"Call Alberto Contado" - UFC star 'switches' to cycling and jokes with Spanish legend

Ilia Topuria keeps sharpening his preparation for his next UFC date, this time away from the gym and on two wheels. The Spanish-Georgian fighter used a bike training day in Miami to share a nod to Alberto Contador, with whom he has maintained a good relationship for some time.

The lightweight champion, who has been based in the United States for weeks ahead of his June 14th bout at the UFC Freedom 250 card set to take place at the White House, posted several images from the ride on his social media after completing the session with family and friends.

The route formed part of his physical preparation for the clash with Justin Gaethje, but it also served as a moment to switch off during the countdown to one of the UFC’s key events of the year.

Topuria captioned the photos with a brief message: “Work days you also enjoy. Good route, good company, and a calm mind.” The comment didn’t end there. The fighter added a direct, light-hearted reference to Alberto Contador: “We’ll have to call Alberto Contador to assess the technique,” with a laughing emoji.

Beyond the training, another detail caught the eye of cycling fans: Topuria’s bike. He rolled a Cervélo S5, the aero model ridden by Visma - Lease a Bike riders, including Jonas Vingegaard and Wout Van Aert.

Contador himself was quick to respond. The former rider and current Eurosport commentator replied with the same humour: “That’s where I wanted to see you, champ. Very good, that Miami bridge is a long one. Ride pending, my friend. A hug.”

The exchange once again underlined the strong connection between the two. Contador has also been a regular presence at Topuria’s fights, currently ranked number two in the UFC pound-for-pound list, and he will be in Washington to accompany him at a card the promotion views as the year’s most important.