Ilia Topuria has expressed openness to a potential fight with Conor McGregor, stating he never closes doors on such opportunities. The featherweight champion acknowledged that they are not currently on the same competitive level but noted McGregor's popularity and relevance in MMA discourse. Topuria emphasized the talking points surrounding McGregor as a factor in considering the matchup. The post invited fan reactions on whether such a fight would be exciting or ill-advised. McGregor has not competed in the UFC since his 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier.
Ilia Topuria has indicated he would be willing to share the octagon with Conor McGregor, telling interviewers he never shuts the door on high-profile opportunities — even while conceding that the two men are not operating at the same competitive level right now.
Topuria, 29, currently sits at number two in the lightweight division and holds the number one spot in the pound-for-pound rankings, carrying a record of 17 wins and one loss while fighting out of Spain under Climent Club. The southpaw — standing five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach — is one of the more complete fighters in the sport, averaging 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, while also mixing in nearly two takedown attempts per 15 minutes and more than one submission attempt in the same span.
McGregor, now 37, holds a career record of 22-6 and has not set foot inside the UFC cage since suffering a loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021. The Irishman from SBG Ireland stands five-foot-nine with a 74-inch reach and built his reputation on sharp southpaw striking, averaging 5.32 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy across his career. His takedown and grappling output has historically been limited, averaging just 0.67 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Topuria acknowledged McGregor's enduring presence in MMA conversation as a genuine factor when weighing the matchup, even if the competitive gap between them is something both sides appear to recognize.
Why it matters
- Topuria's pound-for-pound status means any opponent he faces draws immediate scrutiny over competitive merit
- McGregor's lengthy absence from competition raises questions about where he would slot into the featherweight or lightweight picture
- A striking-heavy southpaw versus an orthodox power puncher with elite grappling creates an intriguing stylistic contrast on paper
- No fight has been formally discussed or confirmed by either camp
