Ilia Topuria wins a HUGE $237,500 after betting on his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz to win Wimbledon

UFC star Ilia Topuria has raked in over £180,000 after betting on his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz to win Wimbledon.

The 20-year-old beat Novak Djokovic in a thrilling five set final on Sunday, becoming the first new men’s champion at the All-England club since Andy Murray in 2013.

It was his second Grand Slam title after winning the US open last year, and his second title on grass in just four attempts. 

The result was excellent news for Topuria, who revealed on Instagram earlier this month he had placed a $50,000 bet on Alcaraz winning the tournament.

‘My favorite tennis tournament Wimbledon begins,’ he said, ‘and I’ve made my biggest bet to date. Carlos Alcaraz, to win! Let’s go, all the way with you!’

The bet returned a huge $237,500 (£181,415.56), with the Spaniard coming into the final as something of an underdog despite being ranked at number one in the world.

Djokovic had not lost a match on centre court in 10 years, and looked set for another win after taking the first set 6-1.

Alcaraz fought back well, though, and eventually won 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 in a final that lasted almost five hours.

 Speaking after the win, he said: ‘To make history that I did today is the happiest moment of my life. I think it’s not going to change for a long time.

‘Beating Novak, winning the Wimbledon championship is something that I have dreamt about since I started playing tennis. That’s why it is the biggest moment of my life.’

‘It’s something that I will never forget, that’s for sure. It’s great for the new generation, as well, I think to see me beating him and making them think that they are capable of doing it as well.’

He will have gained a committed fan in Topuria, who last month revealed a bizarre weight-loss ritual that sees him drink wine before big fights.

 The fighter extended his undefeated run to 14 fights by beating Josh Emmett last month and has since been called out by Alexander Volkanovski.