Ilia Topuria’s rise in the UFC has been nothing short of phenomenal. Since making his UFC debut in 2020, ‘El Matador’ has ran through the featherweight division with an impressive 57% KO/TKO rate according to Tapology. Even more stunning is the fact that it took him just 6 fights before he ripped the featherweight crown away from Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 by knocking him out in the second round.

As the undefeated featherweight eyes bigger names and brighter opportunities, one name that has lingered in the MMA world is Conor McGregor. But for Topuria, the idea of stepping into the cage with the Irishman isn’t as appealing as it once was. Why? In a recent statement, the featherweight champion indicated McGregor now seems to be more of a controversial figure than a feared opponent!

Ilia Topuria shuts down Conor McGregor fight as he highlights what has changed in the former ‘champ-champ’

In a recent post shared on Instagram by Championship Rounds, the featherweight champion shared his surprising stance on a potential fight with Conor McGregor, and it wasn’t what most fans expected. Topuria stated, “I wouldn’t like to fight McGregor. I mean, McGregor would be an option if I could fight him…but right now I’m telling you that if they offered me a fight with him, I’d say no because there are bigger fights than him.”

The Georgian fighter’s words carry weight. He openly admired Conor McGregor in his youth, drawing inspiration from the Irishman’s meteoric rise. But now, the McGregor of today represents something different.

According to Topuria, “I know he is not who he was. He’s not the McGregor that moved the masses. He’s a McGregor who represents alcohol and drugs more than sport. I have been inspired by Conor, I admired him when I was little. And he has lost it because he has betrayed the values that have brought him (to the top). We have lost an idol. ”

It’s a tough pill to swallow for long-time fans of Conor McGregor. Has the man who once symbolized dedication and grit truly lost his way? Meanwhile, the Irish MMA icon also had some harsh words of his own towards Topuria in a statement made during a live chat earlier this year. McGregor stated, “Topuria, for me, is a non-champion in my opinion. He might have a strap but it’s a meaningless strap, in my opinion, as he holds it. I don’t see any attraction to it.”

Nevertheless, as Ilia Topuria’s star continues to rise, he’s choosing to focus on fights that carry more weight, both in the cage and in the sport. Ahead of his upcoming first title defense against Max Holloway, he revealed that he’s aiming to deliver a statement that will echo across the MMA world.

‘El Matador’ is looking to ‘crack’ Max Holloway’s legendary chin

Ilia Topuria stands at the summit of the featherweight division, undefeated and confident. But coming up for him next may be the toughest fight of his career so far. His opponent? The current ‘BMF’ title holder and no. 2 ranked featherweight Max Holloway. Coming off a jaw-dropping knockout of Alexander Volkanovski, ‘El Matador’ has no doubt about how this fight will unfold.

Speaking to ‘Marca’, the champion recently stated, “As soon as he (Max Holloway) starts to really fight me and starts exchanging blows, that’s the end of the fight. Nobody can exchange blows with me, not only because of my power, but because of the technique I apply to each movement. They don’t see me coming.”

‘Blessed’ has never been knocked out inside the UFC Octagon, a remarkable feat in itself considering the caliber of opponents he’s faced. But according to Topuria, “They are not used to the game I propose. So as soon as he starts to fight — as soon as he points his finger down (to the canvas), if he does it from the beginning — that’s it.”

The air of confidence around Topuria is almost palpable. But UFC 308 is where the real story will unfold. Can Topuria truly become the first man to finish Holloway with strikes? Will Holloway’s legendary durability finally meet its match? Let us know what your thoughts are on this fight in the comments below!