Ilia Topuria has expressed willingness to face Conor McGregor despite acknowledging they are not currently on the same competitive level. In recent comments, Topuria stated he never closes the door on such opportunities. He recognized McGregor's popularity and continued relevance in MMA discourse. The featherweight champion suggested that while the matchup might not make competitive sense at this stage of their careers, he remains open to the possibility. Topuria's comments reflect the potential for a high-profile crossover fight, though no concrete plans exist.
Ilia Topuria has signaled he would be willing to share the Octagon with Conor McGregor, though he acknowledged the two fighters are not currently operating at the same competitive level and that no concrete plans are in place for such a bout.
Topuria, who holds the pound-for-pound number-one ranking in the sport, carries a 17-1-0 record and is currently ranked second in the lightweight division. The 29-year-old from Spain, known as "El Matador," trains out of Climent Club and fights out of an orthodox stance with a reach of 69 inches. He lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at a 48 percent accuracy rate, and also adds a consistent wrestling threat, averaging nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes. In recent comments, Topuria said he never closes the door on opportunities of this nature, pointing to McGregor's enduring popularity and relevance within MMA.
McGregor, 37, fighting out of SBG Ireland and representing Ireland, carries a 22-6-0 professional record. The southpaw stands five-foot-nine with a 74-inch reach and built his reputation in large part on sharp, high-volume striking, averaging 5.32 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy across his career. "The Notorious" has remained a central figure in MMA conversation despite his extended absence from competition.
Why it matters
- Topuria is the sport's current pound-for-pound king, giving any opponent he names instant headline value
- McGregor's global profile means even an exploratory mention generates significant commercial interest
- The two fighters operate in different divisions and at different points in their careers, making competitive framing complicated
- No formal talks or organizational confirmation have followed Topuria's remarks, leaving this firmly in the realm of possibility rather than planning
