In recent years, the MMA community has seen Conor McGregor criticizing and insulting various fighters. Similarly, Ilia Topuria has also been outspoken in his criticism of several fighters in the past few days, including UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. Interestingly, shortly after Topuria’s comments, McGregor also criticized the same individual.
At UFC 304, Belal Muhammad emerged victorious over Leon Edwards, securing the welterweight championship title. However, his victory was overshadowed by widespread criticism of his fighting style. Interestingly, many individuals, including Conor McGregor, share the same sentiment against the champ. As such, he even publicly disparaged the newly crowned welterweight champion.
I’d love to crush my left hook into Belal’s temple and take down the triple crown. I’d do it easily and fast. I’d cave his skull heavy!… This bum is now a UFC champion with zero knockdowns on his resume whatsoever is so bad. The UFC’s most abysmal zero-revenue-generating fighter in modern history
Conor McGregor in a now-deleted post via X
Conor McGregor particularly criticized Belal Muhammad for his lack of knockout victories. The newly crowned welterweight champion has primarily won his matches through decisions. Of his last ten fights, Muhammad has only managed to secure one victory via knockout against Sean Brady. These statistics have led to Muhammad facing increased scrutiny and questions about his ability to finish fights decisively.
in the last 8 hours, Belal Muhammad has been getting cooked nonstop 😭 pic.twitter.com/7zRTNx5IDe
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) October 14, 2024
Interestingly, this is not the first time the Irishman has criticized Muhammad for delivering lackluster performances. In turn, the welterweight champion has also taunted the Irishman numerous times. While McGregor and Topuria agreed this time, they haven’t had a good relationship for an extended period. Consequently, the Spaniard recently made some comments about the Notorious as well.
Ilia Topuria fires shot at Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor has been an inspiration for many, including the reigning featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria. The Spaniard has always looked at McGregor as a role model and even shows similar characteristics as the Irishman on several occasions. However, in recent developments, these two have traded several verbal shots at each other.
The UFC featherweight champion recently went live on his Instagram account. During the live session, he reacted to some of McGregor’s recent activities and discussed how a potential fight would play out. While discussing that, Topuria also mentioned that he believes he could have easily defeated McGregor in his prime.
MMA has evolved. He was really good in the stand-up, but on the ground he was always terrible. I’d beat him in his prime, at any time… wherever, whenever, it’s not a competition. Let him keep drinking whiskey.
Ilia Topuria via Instagram live
Ilia Topuria says he’d beat Conor McGregor in his prime:
“MMA has evolved. He was really good in the stand-up, but on the ground he was always terrible.
I’d beat him in his prime, at any time… wherever, whenever, it’s not a competition. Let him keep drinking whiskey.”
(via.… pic.twitter.com/3T4jKh6NDH
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 13, 2024
The current featherweight champion is set to face Max Holloway in a championship bout at the upcoming UFC 308 fight card. Recently, McGregor has encouraged Holloway to defeat Topuria. As such, he even urged the Hawaiian star to thrash Topuria badly. It will be interesting to see how this matchup at UFC 308 will play out.
