Ilia Topuria surprised everyone when he defeated Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 and became the new featherweight champion. After his big win, Topuria confidently called out Conor McGregor, a two-division champ.
Ilia Topuria confidently issued a bold challenge to Conor McGregor, daring him to meet him in Spain if he still possesses the nerve to face him in a fight. Topuria, originally from Georgia, moved to Spain with his family 15 years ago. He dreams of UFC hosting an event in Spain where he could fight a well-known UFC competitor.
McGregor last fought Dustin Poirier in July 2021. He lost that match and broke his tibia, which has kept him away from the ring since then.
Topuria has made it clear that he aims to fight McGregor, who is expected to make a comeback against Michael Chandler later this year.
No weight limit. There is no weight if I fight him. He can choose it, I give him that option.
Ilia Topuria
McGregor's UFC legacy
"The Notorious" Conor McGregor, from Ireland, joined the UFC in 2013. His flamboyant personality and strength in the octagon have made him a fan favorite ever since.
Over the years, McGregor's UFC journey has featured plenty of unforgettable title fights that are a must-watch for all fight fans. His first UFC title, the interim featherweight, was won by defeating Chad Mendes at UFC 189 back in 2015. He triumphed with a TKO win, highlighting his impressive counterpunching skills.
One of his most memorable fights was when he knocked out featherweight champion Jose Aldo in just 13 seconds at UFC 194. This fantastic achievement led to his lightweight title fight against Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205. McGregor made history in this match by becoming the first fighter to hold two UFC titles at the same time.
McGregor's chase for the title has recently hit a speed bump. He faced loss in his 2018 clash with Khabib Nurmagomedov and was knocked down in his rematch against Dustin Poirier, marking a challenging time in his UFC career.
Topuria's triumph at UFC 298
During UFC 298, Ilia Topuria put on an amazing show. The fighter from Georgia stood out with his strong hitting skills and constant pressure.
From the start, Topuria dominated with his well-calculated strikes and undying aggression. It led to a powerful performance that ended with a knockout win. Topuria skillfully pinned his opponent and put on a show with his strong hits. He caught Volkanovski off guard with a well-aimed right hook during the second round, decisively ending the match.
This great victory not only cemented Topuria's position in the featherweight rankings but also rewarded him with the prestigious title of Champion.
The fresh champ was visibly excited after the win, expressing thankfulness for his chance to shine and the support of his team.
Alex is undeniably one of the greatest champions in the FW division. Keep your head up and come back strong!
Islam Makhachev
Reactions from fans
Many were shocked when well-respected champion Alexander Volkanovski was defeated. Fans took to social media, sharing their sadness about his loss and their support for the former Champion.
But, as with the constantly changing UFC scene, one fighter's loss is another's gain. When Ilia Topuria won the Featherweight title, his quick challenge to Conor McGregor set the fans abuzz.
Many people are excited to see the bold new champ, Topuria, challenge the well-known McGregor. However, some think it might be too early for Topuria. But overall, everyone is keenly waiting for the match.
Others criticized McGregor for not accepting challenges from younger, up-and-coming fighters like Topuria.
UFC is becoming more popular in Europe, and the organizers are considering hosting events in places like Spain. Topuria challenging McGregor hints at a possible fight between them in Spain. It could be a big moment for both European MMA fans and the new Champion.
