When the lights go down and the Undertaker’s gong starts echoing through a packed arena, you know something heavy is about to happen. Honestly, most fighters pick a track because it has a good beat or makes them feel tough. But for "El Matador," it’s different. The Ilia Topuria walk out song isn’t just background noise; it’s a specific vibe that has become part of his psychological warfare.
He’s the first Spanish-Georgian champion in UFC history. That dual identity is everything. For a long time, people saw him coming out to "Love Tonight" by Shouse—the Vintage Culture & Kiko Franco Remix, specifically. It was catchy. It had that Euro-club energy. But then, everything changed when he moved toward the title. He needed something with more "aura," as the kids say these days.
The Switch to "Canción del Mariachi"
If you watched UFC 298 or UFC 308, you heard it. That iconic, sharp Spanish guitar. It’s "Canción del Mariachi" (Morena de Mi Corazón), famously performed by Antonio Banderas and Los Lobos from the movie Desperado.
Why a Mexican mariachi song for a guy from Georgia who lives in Spain?
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Basically, it’s about the language and the swagger. The song is about a wanderer, a man who loves his guitar, his tequila, and his life on the road. It fits the "Matador" persona perfectly. Topuria doesn't just walk to the cage; he marches like he's already won. At UFC 308, he even added a theatrical intro with the Undertaker’s "Rest in Peace" bells before the guitar kicked in. It was dark. It was cinematic. It told Max Holloway—and everyone watching—that the "blessed" era was ending.
What the Lyrics Actually Mean
A lot of English-speaking fans just hear the "Ay, ay, ay, ay" part and think it’s just a fun tune. It’s not. The lyrics talk about a man who is "muy formal"—very serious—and someone who "doesn't lack money or women."
- "Me gusta tocar guitarra": I like to play the guitar.
- "El mariachi me acompaña": The mariachi accompanies me when I sing my song.
- "Me gusta tomar mis copas": I like to have my drinks.
It sounds like a party song, but in the context of a cage fight, it feels like a man who is comfortable in the chaos. Topuria is remarkably calm under pressure. Seeing him sing along to the lyrics while walking toward a guy like Alexander Volkanovski was genuinely terrifying for some people. It showed a level of relaxation that most fighters have to fake.
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The Evolution of the Walkout
Before he became the king of the featherweights, Topuria’s music was a bit more "standard" for the modern MMA era.
- The Electronic Era: Using the Shouse remix of "Love Tonight." This was his go-to for the Josh Emmett fight. It was high energy, but maybe lacked that "final boss" feel he has now.
- The Spanish Connection: He’s used "Alma de Guitarra" before, which is a bit more traditional and leans into his Spanish roots.
- The Championship Era: The Desperado theme. This is now his signature. It’s almost impossible to imagine him coming out to anything else at this point.
Some fans on Reddit and Twitter have pointed out that another Spanish fighter, Joel Alvarez, has used this song too. There was a little bit of "who did it first" drama in the comments sections, but honestly, Topuria has made it his own on the biggest stage possible. When you knock out the greatest featherweight of all time (Volkanovski) and then do the same to the BMF champ (Holloway), you basically own whatever song you want.
Why the Music Matters for Betting and Momentum
Believe it or not, some veteran MMA analysts look at the walkout to gauge a fighter's mental state. If a guy looks tight or the music doesn't match the energy of the room, it can be a "tell."
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With the Ilia Topuria walk out song, the energy is always "controlled aggression." He isn't jumping around or screaming. He’s singing. He’s smiling. He’s soaking in the boos or the cheers with the same stoic expression. It’s a psychological edge. It tells the opponent, "I am so confident in my training that I’m treating this like a performance, not a struggle."
Practical Takeaways for Fans
If you're looking to add these tracks to your workout playlist or just want to feel like a world champion while driving to work, here is exactly what to look for on Spotify or Apple Music:
- Primary Song: "Canción del Mariachi" - Los Lobos & Antonio Banderas.
- The Remix Era: "Love Tonight" - Shouse (Vintage Culture & Kiko Franco Remix).
- The Spanish Roots: "Alma de Guitarra" (Various artists, often associated with flamenco-style playlists).
Next time Ilia fights, pay attention to the very beginning. The transition from the dark, brooding Undertaker bells into the upbeat, sharp guitar of the mariachi is a masterclass in pacing. It takes the audience on a journey from "death is coming" to "let's celebrate the work."
If you want to dive deeper into Topuria's career, your best bet is to watch his "Yo lo Soñé" documentary or follow his training camps in Alicante. The music is just the tip of the iceberg for a guy who literally predicted his own championship win down to the round and the method.
Next Steps for You:
- Check out the official "Desperado" soundtrack to hear the high-quality version of his main theme.
- Watch the UFC 308 walkout specifically to see how he integrated the Undertaker's theme for that specific title defense.
- Look up the "Vintage Culture" remix if you prefer the high-tempo electronic vibe from his earlier UFC days.