Undefeated UFC featherweight contender Ilia Topuria is throwing his hat into the Conor McGregor mix, stirring up excitement and intrigue among fans.
McGregor, absent from the Octagon since his July 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier, recently hinted at a significant New Year’s Day announcement, sparking speculation about his much-anticipated return and a potential “greatest comeback in combat sports history.”
While McGregor’s rumored bout against former Bellator MMA champion ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler is still on the horizon for 2024, no official confirmations have emerged. This uncertainty leaves room for speculation on potential matchups, and Topuria, a rising talent from Spain, has boldly expressed his interest on social media, injecting an element of surprise into the conversation.
Ilia Topuria Wants The Money Fight Against UFC Star Conor McGregor
Topuria is currently gearing up for a shot at the world title, preparing to face reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 on February 17. The event is set to take place at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, marking a significant milestone in Topuria’s career.
With an impressive record of 14 consecutive victories, six of which occurred in the UFC, the fighter known as ‘El Matador’ solidified his position as a top contender. His unanimous decision victory over former interim title challenger Josh Emmett in June underscored his prowess in the featherweight division.
The Challenge That is Alexander Volkanovski
As Topuria sets his sights on the title clash with Volkanovski, the prospect of a potential matchup with McGregor looms in the background. A convincing victory over the current champion could significantly bolster Topuria’s chances of landing a high-profile bout against the Irish superstar. However, it’s crucial for Topuria to remain focused on the task at hand and not underestimate the challenges posed by one of the pound-for-pound greatest fighters in UFC history.
While the McGregor sweepstakes continue to capture the imagination of fans worldwide, Topuria remains committed to his immediate goal – securing the featherweight title. The outcome of his bout with Volkanovski will undoubtedly influence the trajectory of his career and may open doors to exciting possibilities, including a potential showdown with McGregor.
As the anticipation builds for UFC 298 and beyond, Ilia Topuria’s bold move to throw his name into the mix adds an intriguing layer to the evolving narrative of McGregor’s return and the competitive landscape of the featherweight division. Fans can expect an exciting journey as these storylines unfold in the dynamic world of mixed martial arts.
Will Ilia Topuria ever get the dream matchup on Spanish soil with Conor McGregor? What do you make of his proposal? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
