Laura Sanko recently discussed the possibility of a fight between Ilia Topuria and Khabib Nurmagomedov, focusing on the dynamics of such a matchup. Although Sanko, the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC broadcaster, refrained from making a clear prediction, she emphasized that Nurmagomedov’s best chance would come from his dominance on the ground against Topuria.
Topuria has been rising rapidly, capturing the lightweight title by knocking out Charles Oliveira in the first round at UFC 317, which secured him a spot among the elite group of two-division champions. His performance has led many fans and analysts to compare him with MMA legends like Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
In a conversation with Submission Radio, Sanko addressed the strengths of Topuria and the challenges Nurmagomedov would face. She stated,
“Ilia’s boxing is far too dangerous. I think the only pathway for Khabib to beat someone like Ilia, in this hypothetical that we’re running with here, would of course be on the ground. I think we’ve yet to see Ilia’s ground game be tested against the elite of the elite… I don’t know that we know enough about Ilia’s get-up game… That’s the only path to victory I can see for Khabib. I can also see Khabib shooting from an ill-advised distance and getting knocked out.”
This assessment highlights Topuria’s striking power as a significant threat, while questioning the extent of his defensive measures on the ground. Nurmagomedov’s grappling excellence could remain his primary tool, but venturing into risky stand-up exchanges might expose him to knockout losses.
Speculating on a Potential Topuria vs. McGregor Encounter
Sanko also speculated on the odds of Ilia Topuria facing Conor McGregor, despite McGregor’s prolonged absence from active competition. Although she acknowledged that McGregor is no longer in his prime, the idea of a matchup between the two fighters still excites her and many fans.
During the same interview on Submission Radio, she remarked,
“I want something big… Do I think it’s likely? You know, based on where Conor’s focus seems to be, obviously not. But if we’re going to sit here and pretend that Ilia’s going to fight Khabib [Nurmagomedov], then why can’t we sit here and pretend that Ilia could fight Conor? How insane would that be?… Can you imagine a stadium in Spain where Ilia Topuria is facing Conor McGregor? That would be bananas.” [22:30 onwards]
Such a fight would certainly generate immense interest, especially given McGregor’s history and popularity. However, despite public interest and mutual expressions in the past, Topuria himself has distanced from the idea of facing McGregor.
Topuria’s Disinterest in a Bout with McGregor
Ilia Topuria made it clear in an interview last year that he is no longer interested in a confrontation with McGregor, stating that there are more significant fights for him to pursue. He criticized McGregor’s current image and focus, implying it does not align with Topuria’s vision of competition.
“I’m telling you that if they offered me a fight with [McGregor], I’d say no because there are bigger fights than him… He’s not the McGregor that moved the masses. He’s a McGregor who represents alcohol and drugs more than sport.”
This sentiment reflects Topuria’s desire to focus on opponents and fights that align with his career goals rather than drawn-out rivalries or spectacle bouts. It underlines a period where McGregor’s stature in the sport has shifted compared to his earlier prime years.
The Broader Significance and Future Implications
The discussion around Ilia Topuria versus Khabib Nurmagomedov remains speculative but intriguing, as fans consider how a new generation of fighters measure against past legends. Topuria’s unexpected rise and powerful striking make him a formidable opponent against anyone, though Nurmagomedov’s grappling remains a critical factor in any potential matchup.
Meanwhile, the prospect of Topuria facing McGregor continues to stir excitement despite current improbabilities, showcasing the enduring appeal of marquee fights in mixed martial arts. As Topuria cements his place among the sport’s elite, future matchups—whether with established legends or rising contenders—will continue to capture attention worldwide.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ilia Topuria Turkish?
A. Ilia Topuria, born on January 21, 1997, is a professional fighter from Georgia and Spain. He competes in the UFC’s Lightweight division. As of now, he holds the title of UFC Lightweight Champion.