Ilia Topuria stated he believes he can compete against the world's best boxers and specifically called out Shakur Stevenson as a potential opponent. The UFC featherweight champion expressed confidence that a boxing match is within reach and would welcome the opportunity if it materializes.
Ilia Topuria is setting his sights beyond the Octagon, publicly calling out WBO lightweight boxing champion Shakur Stevenson and declaring he has what it takes to compete with the best in professional boxing.
Topuria, known as "El Matador," is currently ranked number one on the UFC pound-for-pound list and sits second in the lightweight division with a record of 17 wins and one loss. The 29-year-old, who represents Spain and trains out of Climent Club, has built his reputation on explosive offensive output, averaging 4.81 significant strikes landed per minute at 48 percent accuracy. He also poses a well-rounded threat, adding nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes and more than one submission attempt per 15 minutes to his game. Standing five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach, Topuria would enter any boxing conversation as a notable size underdog against Stevenson.
The champion expressed genuine confidence that a boxing crossover is achievable and indicated he would welcome the fight if the opportunity presented itself.
Why it matters
- Topuria holds the UFC's top pound-for-pound ranking, giving any crossover conversation immediate mainstream relevance.
- A callout of Stevenson, an established world champion in boxing, signals Topuria's ambitions extend well beyond MMA competition.
- The stylistic contrast is sharp: Topuria's aggressive, high-volume striking in MMA would face a very different set of rules and a pure boxing specialist.
- Any movement toward a boxing match would intersect with Topuria's standing obligations in the UFC lightweight division, where he is ranked second.
