Ilia Topuria declined to predict a winner in a potential matchup between Max Holloway and Conor McGregor. When asked for his prediction, Topuria referenced McGregor's loss to Nate Diaz, stating that after losing to Diaz, it becomes very difficult to make any predictions. The comment appears to cast doubt on McGregor's current standing in the sport. Topuria's response was posted on social media and generated reactions from fans. The statement highlights ongoing speculation about potential future matchups involving both Holloway and McGregor.
Ilia Topuria refused to make a prediction on a potential fight between Max Holloway and Conor McGregor, offering a pointed remark about McGregor's history instead of a straightforward answer.
When pressed for his pick, Topuria brought up McGregor's loss to Nate Diaz, saying that result made any prediction on McGregor extremely difficult. The comment, shared on social media, drew widespread fan reaction and raised questions about how Topuria views McGregor's current place in the sport.
Topuria, 29, holds a 17-1-0 record and is ranked second in the lightweight division while sitting at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. The Spanish fighter is one of the most complete threats in the 155-pound weight class, averaging nearly two takedowns per fifteen minutes and more than one submission attempt per fifteen minutes alongside a 48-percent striking accuracy.
Holloway, 34, carries a 27-9-0 record and is ranked fourth at lightweight with a spot at ninth on the pound-for-pound list. The Hawaiian remains one of the sport's most relentless volume strikers, landing 7.2 significant strikes per minute at 48-percent accuracy.
Nate Diaz, the fighter Topuria cited as his reference point, is 41 years old with a 22-13-0 record. The Stockton southpaw has a seventy-six-inch reach and has long been known for his submission threat, averaging 1.3 submission attempts per fifteen minutes across his career.
Why it matters
- Topuria's reluctance to call McGregor a credible threat adds to growing debate about whether McGregor can compete at the top of lightweight
- Holloway sits fourth in a loaded division, and any high-profile matchup involving him carries real ranking consequences
- Topuria himself ranks second at lightweight, meaning his public commentary on divisional matchups carries weight beyond social media noise
