Ilia Topuria has expressed openness to a potential bout with Conor McGregor, stating he never closes the door on such opportunities. Topuria acknowledged that they are currently not at the same level competitively, but noted McGregor's popularity and the attention surrounding him. The featherweight champion suggested the fight could still be of interest despite the perceived skill gap. The post included a poll asking whether such a matchup would be exciting or foolish. No official discussions about the fight have been confirmed.
Ilia Topuria has indicated he would be willing to fight Conor McGregor, while candidly admitting the two men are not currently operating at the same competitive level.
Topuria, 29, holds a 17-1-0 record and is the current pound-for-pound number one fighter in the world according to the AgentMMA rankings. Now competing at lightweight, where he sits ranked second, the Spanish-Georgian fighter known as "El Matador" has built his reputation on sharp, high-volume striking — landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy — combined with a well-rounded threat on the mat, averaging nearly two takedowns and more than one submission attempt per 15 minutes.
McGregor, 37, carries a 22-6-0 record and has not been assigned a current divisional ranking. The Irishman from SBG Ireland holds a natural size advantage over Topuria, standing five-foot-nine with a 74-inch reach compared to Topuria's five-foot-seven frame and 69-inch reach. McGregor's career striking numbers show 5.32 significant strikes landed per minute at 49 percent accuracy, reflecting the explosive offensive output that made him one of the sport's most recognizable names.
Topuria acknowledged McGregor's mass appeal and the commercial weight a matchup would carry, even while pointing to the gap in current competitive standing between them. No official discussions between the two camps have been confirmed.
Why it matters
- Topuria is the pound-for-pound king and a top-two lightweight, making any opponent he faces a significant story
- McGregor carries enormous commercial value regardless of his current competitive status, which shapes how the UFC could view such a negotiation
- The stylistic matchup pits two aggressive strikers against each other, though Topuria adds a wrestling and submission dimension McGregor has rarely faced at its sharpest
- The absence of official talks means this remains an expression of openness rather than a fight in motion
