Ilia Topuria has commented on the possibility of fighting Conor McGregor. The Georgian-Spanish featherweight champion stated he never closes the door on such opportunities, even though he acknowledges they are not currently on the same competitive level. Topuria noted that McGregor remains popular and frequently discussed in MMA circles. The post sparked debate among fans about whether such a matchup would be worthwhile given the current status of both fighters.
Ilia Topuria has addressed the idea of a potential fight with Conor McGregor, saying he would never completely rule out the matchup even while admitting the two men are not on the same competitive level right now.
Topuria, 29, is currently one of the most dominant forces in the UFC. The Georgian-born Spanish fighter holds a 17-1-0 record and sits at number two in the lightweight division, while also carrying the number one pound-for-pound ranking. Standing five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach, "El Matador" fights out of the orthodox stance and has built his reputation on a well-rounded game — landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, while also averaging nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes.
McGregor, meanwhile, carries a 22-6-0 record and has not competed in years. The Irishman from SBG Ireland is 37 years old and brings southpaw striking credentials that once made him a star — he averages 5.32 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy over the course of his career. His 74-inch reach gives him a notable physical advantage over Topuria on paper.
Topuria acknowledged that McGregor remains one of the most talked-about names in MMA, and on that basis indicated he would not close the door entirely on such an opportunity.
Why it matters
- Topuria is the UFC's top pound-for-pound fighter, making any opponent he discusses a headline attraction
- McGregor has no current divisional ranking, highlighting the competitive gap Topuria himself referenced
- A striking-heavy clash between two technically sharp punchers would generate significant fan interest despite the context
- The conversation reflects broader questions about how the UFC balances competitive matchmaking against marquee appeal
