Ilia Topuria has taken aim at Conor McGregor following the Irish fighter’s recent nightclub altercation in Ibiza, using the incident to question McGregor’s current fighting ability. The Spanish-Georgian UFC contender commented on the viral footage where McGregor landed punches but failed to knock out his opponent, casting doubt on how competitive a bout between them would be today.
Conor McGregor grabbed headlines after CCTV footage emerged showing him delivering two punches to a man at Pacha nightclub in Ibiza. The video captured McGregor striking a sharp left fist that briefly knocked the man down, but the individual quickly recovered and was escorted out, while McGregor remained at the venue. This episode added to a series of unpredictable outbursts marking the former two-division UFC champion’s recent behavior.
Ilia Topuria Challenges McGregor’s Current Fighting Effectiveness
Discussing the nightclub incident in a recent interview, Ilia Topuria expressed disbelief that anyone still considers McGregor a formidable opponent. Referring to the video, Topuria remarked,
“Did you see the last video? I saw it,”
before continuing,
“He connected two punches and he wasn’t even able to knock out an average man. Like, he connected two punches, and the guy walked out like normal. Like, anything happened.”
The incident was more than another headline in McGregor’s tumultuous timeline; it emphasized how far the former champ has declined since his peak. Topuria has openly questioned McGregor’s readiness before, famously stating on The Joe Rogan Experience that McGregor would need to “die and be born again” to face him competitively. However, he remains open to the possibility if the UFC offers him the opportunity, confident such a fight would only bolster his own reputation while exposing McGregor’s diminished state.
While McGregor has signaled distancing himself from a UFC return, Topuria is actively preparing for a major showdown at UFC 317, where he will defend his status against Charles Oliveira. Despite McGregor’s absence so far, Topuria maintains a watchful eye and a vocal stance, simultaneously showing amusement at McGregor’s recent antics but never backing down from a potential confrontation inside the Octagon.
Topuria Reflects on McGregor’s Fall from Grace and Personal Disillusionment
Topuria’s criticism of McGregor’s striking in Ibiza doesn’t just capture a single moment; it reflects a broader disappointment with how McGregor’s career and behavior have unraveled. Having once admired McGregor and even adopting elements of his fighting style and confidence, Topuria now views the Irish star’s recent public outbursts and lifestyle choices as a betrayal of what once made him a role model.
Speaking on the FULL SEND PODCAST, Ilia Topuria elaborated on this shift, stating,
“He was an idol for all of us,”
while adding,
“But at some point, he betrayed all the values that put him in that point.”
Topuria describes McGregor’s descent as marked by excessive partying, disregard for personal discipline, and a growing estrangement from both fans and fellow fighters. Highlighting the necessity of control, he said,
“You have to have that control about the things,”
followed by,
“Not the things have the control about you.”
Rather than pity McGregor as a victim of fame, Topuria sees him as a cautionary example of self-sabotage.
For Topuria, who also fought his way to prominence, the choice was clear: he committed to patience and consistent effort instead of chaos.
“I want to be more than Conor McGregor,”
he declared,
“I’m very patient. I know there’s no elevators in life, and slow is the fastest way to get where you want to be.”
His ambition extends beyond surpassing McGregor in fame; he aims to build a lasting legacy founded on discipline and respect, which he believes he already embodies.
Possible Outcome if Topuria and McGregor Faced Off in the Octagon Today
With McGregor’s current state and Topuria’s rising form, many fans and analysts debate who would emerge victorious in a hypothetical fight between the two fighters. Topuria’s comments and confidence suggest he feels ready to face McGregor and dominate, while his observations of McGregor’s recent conduct emphasize the gulf in their present conditions.
Topuria’s upcoming match against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 will be a critical step in solidifying his claim for the lightweight title, potentially setting the stage for future high-profile bouts, including the possibility of facing a rejuvenated or struggling McGregor. Until then, Topuria continues to watch the Irishman’s career with keen interest and critical scrutiny, positioning himself as a new standard-bearer in the division.