Ilia Topuria has addressed the possibility of fighting Conor McGregor in the future. The featherweight champion stated that he never closes the door on such opportunities, acknowledging that they are not currently on the same competitive level. Topuria noted that McGregor remains popular and is still being talked about in the MMA community. The post included a poll asking fans whether this would be a hype fight or if matching them would be foolish. While Topuria appears open to the bout from a business standpoint, he recognizes the disparity in their current positions within the sport.
Ilia Topuria has spoken publicly about the prospect of sharing the octagon with Conor McGregor, saying he never closes the door on such a matchup while openly acknowledging the two men are not on the same competitive level right now.
Topuria, nicknamed "El Matador," carries a 17-1 record and currently holds the number-one pound-for-pound ranking in MMA. The 29-year-old Spaniard competes at lightweight, where he is ranked second in the division, and trains out of Climent Club. He lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at a 48 percent accuracy rate and adds a credible grappling threat, averaging nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.1 submission attempts in the same window.
McGregor, 37, represents one of the most recognizable names the sport has ever produced. The Irishman out of SBG Ireland carries a 22-6 record and fights as a southpaw with a 74-inch reach. At his peak he posted 5.32 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy, numbers that reflect the elite striking that made him a two-division champion. His division is not listed in the current data, underlining the uncertainty around where he stands competitively at this stage of his career.
Topuria framed his openness to the fight primarily in business terms, recognizing McGregor's continued popularity and the conversation he still generates across the MMA community. At the same time, he was candid about the gap in their current standings within the sport.
Why it matters
- Topuria is the sport's top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter, making any opponent he calls out an immediate headline
- McGregor has not competed recently, creating a significant competitive question mark around any potential pairing
- The stylistic overlap — two aggressive strikers with finishing ability — would carry genuine entertainment value regardless of the competitive stakes
- A bout of this profile would carry major commercial weight given McGregor's global profile, even if sporting merit remains debated
