Ilia Topuria had a meteoric rise similar to the one Conor McGregor had in his early UFC career. Both fighters went 7-0 to capture the featherweight belt. Both are big names in their respective countries. As such, Topuria wants an All-European showdown against McGregor. However, McGregor had some dousing words for Topuria when he recently promoted the upcoming BKFC Spain event.
Ilia Topuria is a big name in Spain. He also took the honorary kick-off at the Real Madrid vs. Sevilla game, met with the Spanish President, and garnered best wishes from top sports icons. As such, reporters asked the Irishman about the UFC featherweight champion. McGregor slightly praised him but vowed to beat the smaller Topuria inside the BKFC ring. Now, the Spanish-Georgian fighter fires back.
Pinky toe! Welcome to my home. It’s great seeing you working for us! Come to Madrid and we will see who slaps who. Topuria Knuckles for dinner !!!
Ilia Topuria via X (@Topuriailia)
Conor McGregor has been part of the BKFC ownership group for a short while. He recently appeared as a part-owner and co-hosted the BKFC Spain conference in Marbella. The BKFC event in Spain takes place on October 12 at the Marbella Arena and will be broadcast on Triller TV. Topuria took a moment to diss the Dubliner while he promoted his native land.
Pinky toe! Welcome to my home. It’s great seeing you working for us! Come to Madrid and we will see who slaps who. Topuria Knuckles for dinner !!!
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) July 18, 2024
This isn’t his lonesome diss at the 36-year-old Irishman. McGregor was set to headline the June 29 pay-per-view card in a five-round matchup. However, he had to cancel media obligations and pull out due to a toe injury. During a moderated Q&A with Marca, Topuria dissed him, saying he has lost interest in the “weak” Irishman. But why did the champ turn gears?
What exactly did Conor McGregor say about Ilia Topuria?
McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) made headlines over the weekend, saying he spoke to top brass and is awaiting word. After his toe injury pullout, the rebranded Riyadh Season Noche UFC always seemed like a good option. However, Ilia Topuria, though out of pocket, has been keen on headlining the card as well.
Conor McGregor disses Ilia Topuria during BKFC Spain inaugural presser (Source: IMAGO/irishmirror.ie)Topuria and McGregor have gone back and forth since the Spaniard won the title at UFC 298. Ahead of the BKFC debut in Spain, McGregor was asked about a fight with the country’s current UFC featherweight champ. The Irish superstar had some loaded words.
Ilia is a Spanish-Georgian lad, He’s not bad. He’s got – he’s a boxing-heavy style. He would certainly lend well in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. I’d slap him around. He’s too small. I’m a big lad compared to Ilia, but he’s not bad…
Conor McGregor during BKFC Spain press conference interviews
A former titleholder in the division who never lost out on the gold technically, McGregor later said to Marca that he’d slap him back to Georgia. Topuria might not take the diss lightly. However, he has a former featherweight champion in sight for his first title defense. Topuria vs. Max Holloway could happen by the end of the year. As such, a fight between McGregor and Topuria remains in hypothetical.
