Ilia Topuria, the dominant UFC lightweight champion known for his formidable striking, is at the center of a high-profile boxing prediction. Former UFC welterweight titleholder Tyron Woodley has stated that Topuria could knock out British boxer Conor Benn within four rounds if they met inside a boxing ring. This bold forecast comes after Topuria’s recent run of knockout victories in <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/”>mixed martial arts, marking him as a striking force that could translate well to boxing.
Topuria solidified his reputation following his June victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, capturing a second UFC championship belt. This win further extended his impressive unbeaten streak, which also includes stoppages of featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski and undefeated Max Holloway. These accomplishments have led many to regard Topuria as MMA’s premier boxer, despite skepticism from established boxing figures like Conor Benn.
Benn, who carries a professional boxing record of 23 wins and 1 loss after falling to Chris Eubank Jr, has openly challenged MMA fighters with confidence. He singled out Topuria while addressing MMA contenders, issuing a warning about crossing over into boxing. Benn’s dismissive remarks reflected his belief that these fighters underestimate the sport’s nuances.
“Whoever these f—— UFC fighters want to come over to boxing, dangerous game,”
—Conor Benn, Boxer
“Anyone wants to come over from the UFC…Ilia Topuria, I’ve got these hands brother. Disrespect us boxers, you’re all getting it.”
—Conor Benn, Boxer
Despite Benn’s bravado, Woodley expressed a contrary opinion during a discussion with Action Network. He analyzed Topuria’s boxing style closely, emphasizing his skillful setups, power from both hands, as well as his defensive prowess and ability to control distance.
“I’m watching what he’s doing — his setups, his power,”
—Tyron Woodley, Former UFC Welterweight Champion
“He shortens his punches up close, extends when he’s long, uses feints, jabs, power in both hands, presses forward, great defense. I think he could do damage in boxing. He could even jump straight in against top guys in his weight. I don’t know the exact weight, but I think he can be a force. I think Ilia would beat Conor Benn.”
Woodley highlighted the contrast in styles, noting that while Benn has considerable power, Topuria’s technique and accuracy give him an edge. He didn’t hesitate to predict a stoppage within four rounds, describing the likely progression of the fight.
“Benn’s got power, too, but Ilia’s cleaner, sharper, more technical, with the same power,”
—Tyron Woodley, Former UFC Welterweight Champion
“Benn’s got a lot of power, but I’d say Ilia stops him. I’d got on record to say Ilia Topuria would stop Conor Benn, and I don’t think it would take more than four rounds.”
—Tyron Woodley, Former UFC Welterweight Champion
“It would take the first three to adjust to boxing clinching, range, and distance, but between rounds three and four, I think he knocks him unconscious.”
—Tyron Woodley, Former UFC Welterweight Champion
Potential boxing matchup hinges on Topuria’s interest and Dana White’s approval
The possibility of Topuria stepping into a boxing ring against Benn depends on the UFC lightweight champion’s willingness and the UFC president Dana White’s stance on cross-discipline fights. Woodley, meanwhile, expressed his own readiness to face Benn if Topuria declines the opportunity.
Woodley suffered a severe knockout loss to Jake Paul in 2021 and has not fought since, but he is eager to return to competitive fighting after almost four years away. He described Benn’s style as aggressive yet somewhat reckless, drawing comparisons to former UFC fighter John Lineker.
“Conor Benn is a little bit lighter, but for the right bag, I’ll fight him,”
—Tyron Woodley, Former UFC Welterweight Champion
“He is kind of messy to me. I think he’s kind of like a fighter that fought in the UFC, ‘Hands of Stone’ (John Lineker). He threw everything from the waist. Real powerful. But with good straight punches and jabs and timing and reach — he was just walking onto shots.”
Woodley acknowledged that Benn had targeted Topuria specifically in his open challenge to MMA fighters and hinted that he would be prepared to fight Benn if Topuria does not take the bout.
“I can’t see me fighting Benn, I think that’s a fight for Ilia, because he kind of mentioned Ilia,”
—Tyron Woodley, Former UFC Welterweight Champion
“Man, if he wanted to fight, yeah, I’ll fight his little hobbit a—.”
—Tyron Woodley, Former UFC Welterweight Champion
Looking ahead: implications for UFC and boxing crossover events
Topuria’s reputation as a dangerous striker in MMA has now stirred speculation about his capacity in professional boxing, especially given Tyron Woodley’s public prediction of a first-four-round knockout against a credible boxer like Conor Benn. If this crossover fight happens, it would continue the recent trend of MMA fighters testing their skills against established boxers, a dynamic that has attracted considerable interest from fans and industry figures alike.
The outcome of any such matchup could influence future negotiations between the UFC and boxing promoters, particularly regarding athlete crossover opportunities. While Dana White and the UFC have generally been cautious about these bouts, Topuria’s profile and Woodley’s endorsement may increase pressure for more flexible arrangements. For Benn, defending his boxing domain against elite MMA strikers represents a new challenge that could further elevate his career, regardless of the eventual outcome.