Conor McGregor, the UFC’s first two-division champion, responded to Ilia Topuria’s impressive UFC 317 victory over Charles Oliveira. The win elevated Topuria to an unbeaten professional record of 17-0, showcasing his dominance throughout the bout. The fight took place recently, and McGregor’s reaction followed swiftly after the match’s conclusion.

Overview of the UFC 317 Bout Between Topuria and Oliveira

Topuria controlled most of the fight, landing sharp early strikes that caused Oliveira to bleed. Despite Oliveira’s attempts to utilize his renowned grappling skills, Topuria maintained strong defensive tactics and prevented any significant advances. The action frequently moved at a fast pace, with moments where Oliveira tried to trap Topuria against the cage.

During grappling exchanges on the ground, Topuria managed to avoid a submission from Oliveira, who holds the record for the most submissions in UFC history. This escape demonstrated Topuria’s high-level grappling ability, solidifying his reputation as “El Matador” in MMA circles.

McGregor Reflects on the Fight and Topuria’s Rising Status

McGregor, who earned his dual champion titles after victories against Jose Aldo and Eddie Alvarez, has shared a history of verbal exchanges with Topuria. In a now-deleted post on X, McGregor congratulated Topuria on securing his former titles and referenced an ongoing rivalry involving fellow fighter Paddy. He described the lightweight encounter as “a good lightweight scrap,” emphasizing the quality of the contest.

Congrats on winning my old titles, Ilia! He said he’s gonna rest his balls on Paddy’s head too hahah fair play. Good lightweight scrap that one is as well in my opinion,

McGregor wrote.

Additionally, McGregor praised the recent string of knockouts in the UFC, acknowledging the excitement they bring to the sport while commending both fighters. He highlighted the importance of fighting styles and recognized Oliveira’s efforts despite the loss.

UFC is back? Or is it still missing something..? Three knockouts back to back is very good. No one can deny the knockout. I like it. Unlucky to Charles also. Styles make fights! You are a tremendous and legendary UFC fighter. Rest up.

Shared Traits Between Topuria and McGregor Signal a New Competitive Era

While McGregor and Topuria have exchanged sharp comments in the past, they share notable commonalities. Both became multi-division champions by the age of 28, demonstrating exceptional confidence and ambition inside the octagon. These parallels suggest a potential escalating rivalry that could energize the lightweight division moving forward.

Topuria’s UFC 317 victory not only advances his undefeated record but also positions him as a rising star who could challenge established champions like McGregor. This bout and McGregor’s reaction underscore the ongoing evolution and fierce competitiveness within the sport.