Ilia Topuria has openly criticized Conor McGregor following the Irish fighter’s recent altercation at a nightclub in Ibiza. Topuria dismissed McGregor’s ability to deliver a knockout punch, using the incident as a point of mockery amid discussions about McGregor’s forthcoming return to the octagon.
Last week, Conor McGregor was involved in controversy after a video surfaced showing him punching a man inside Pacha nightclub in Ibiza. The clip quickly spread online, drawing widespread condemnation for McGregor’s aggressive behavior outside the fighting arena.
During an interview with Shakiel MMA, Topuria commented on the video, highlighting McGregor’s inability to finish his opponent in that situation.
“Did you saw the last video? and then I saw it he [Conor McGregor] connect two punches and he wasn’t even able to knock out an average man like he connect two punches and the guy walk out like normal”
—Ilia Topuria, UFC Fighter
McGregor’s last win took place at UFC 246 when he knocked out Donald Cerrone within the first round. Since then, McGregor has faced setbacks with two losses, including a serious leg injury against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. Plans for his comeback fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 were halted due to a toe injury, delaying McGregor’s return to competitive fighting.
Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria is preparing for a high-stakes matchup at UFC 317 on June 28, where he hopes to become a two-division champion by facing Charles Oliveira in the main event.
Topuria Addresses McGregor’s Lifestyle and Time Away from the Octagon
Ilia Topuria has expressed frustration with Conor McGregor on several prior occasions, especially focusing on what he sees as the Irish fighter’s self-destructive habits. Earlier this year, on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Topuria criticized McGregor for his partying and alleged drug use, suggesting these factors have taken a toll on McGregor’s physical condition and performance.
“His [Conor McGregor] toe is fu*ked, his chin is fu*ked, his body is fu*ked. With that much parties and drugs and all that, you’re gonna have to pay that price at some point. you are paying the price with your health, which is the dumbest thing you can do in your entire life…He also suffered a lot with the weight cuts. That’s a big damage for your body. That’s also one of the reasons why I changed the weight class because I realized that my health is the most important thing in my life.”
—Ilia Topuria, UFC Fighter
Topuria’s remarks underline his belief that McGregor’s off-ring behavior has compromised his fighting capabilities and overall health. These comments add to the tension between the two fighters, as McGregor aims to overcome injuries and return to form.
Implications of Topuria’s Criticism on McGregor’s Reputation and UFC Landscape
Topuria’s harsh critique of McGregor’s nightclub incident and fighting condition reflects broader concerns about McGregor’s decline from his previous peak. The criticism also intensifies the drama as fans anticipate McGregor’s next competitive move after his forced break due to injuries.
As Topuria prepares for his title bout against Charles Oliveira, his vocal disdain for McGregor suggests a possible future clash in the UFC, sparking interest in their potential rivalry. The scrutiny McGregor faces regarding his fitness and lifestyle could affect his legacy, while Topuria’s rapid rise positions him as a formidable figure within the UFC ranks.