Ilia Topuria claims he wouldn't fight Conor McGregor right now, outlines what UFC legend could do to earn the fight
Ilia Topuria has stated that he'd reject a fight against Conor McGregor right now, but he also outlined the conditions on which the MMA megastar could face him.
Ilia Topuria has affirmed that he wouldn't fight Conor McGregor right now, whilst clarifying that he's open to a future clash with the Irish fighter and outlining what the latter must do to earn the matchup.
Presently, UFC lightweight champion Topuria is booked to face interim UFC lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje in a title unifier at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026. On the other hand, former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion McGregor is scheduled to take on ex-UFC featherweight and ex-BMF champ Max Holloway in a rematch, this time at welterweight, at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026.
Ilia Topuria says he'd turn down a fight against Conor McGregor right now
In a recent conversation with Carlos Contreras Legaspi of ESPN Deportes, Ilia Topuria labelled the upcoming McGregor-Holloway clash as a "sh** fight." However, he asserted that it's good for the sport of MMA, reiterating his belief that McGregor is still one of the biggest stars in the UFC and would draw considerable attention to the sport with his comeback.
Additionally, Topuria opined that the aforementioned fight would primarily be contested in the striking department, insinuating that neither McGregor nor Holloway is likely to utilize wrestling or ground fighting in it. Citing that the Irishman has already beaten Holloway in the past, the 29-year-old stated, "I think Conor is going to win." Furthermore, "El Matador" indicated that he'd like McGregor to win, as he'd prefer to fight him rather than Holloway.
The undefeated MMA star claimed that as of now, he'd reject a fight against McGregor. He noted that if the 37-year-old says he'd want to fight him after facing Holloway, that wouldn't be feasible. Topuria explained, "He is too far away from me."
Ilia Topuria picks Conor McGregor over Max Holloway for #UFC329 and thinks. that if he wins two fights a combat between him and Conor cold happen @ESPNMMA @ESPNDeportes pic.twitter.com/AE0xejCuEe
ā Carlos Contreras Legaspi š¦ (@CCLegaspi) May 22, 2026
Ilia Topuria outlines what Conor McGregor ought to do to earn a fight against him
Ilia Topuria further highlighted that even Conor McGregor himself wouldn't want to fight him right after taking on Max Holloway. The Georgian-Spaniard seemingly believes that McGregor, who's been on hiatus from professional combat sports competition since July 2021, would first want to get some rounds in and shake off any supposed ring rust before taking on an opponent who's as skilled as him.
The UFC 155-pound titlist implied that it's because McGregor knows he'd suffer significant damage in a fight against him. Moreover, he alluded that "The Notorious" one's athletic prime is well behind him.
Nevertheless, outlining the conditions on which McGregor could possibly earn a fight against him, Topuria said, "The Conor of now, if they offered me, I'd say absolutely not, because what does he bring me right now?" Noting that there are many other better fights for him rather than facing McGregor, he added, "But if he gets a good win against Max, and then gets another victory, it could happen."
Watch Topuria discuss the topic below (*comments from the 6:45-minute mark):
