Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria remains in the spotlight for continuously trading verbal shots with fellow fighters. This has been ongoing since capturing the belt earlier this year at UFC 298. Topuria’s recent critiques have targeted the former UFC double champion Conor McGregor. Interestingly, while criticizing McGregor, ‘El Matador’ also involved the former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
The featherweight king recently spoke with Ariel Helwani. During that interview session, Ilia Topuria delved into several intriguing as he found Helwani’s show a perfect platform to criticize fellow UFC fighters. Interestingly, Conor McGregor claimed he is more Spanish than Topuria a few days back. In response, ‘El Matador’ seemingly mocked the Irishman with an indirect X-rated diss.
When I see myself in the mirror, below my waist, I also think sometimes I’m more African than Francis Ngannou…
Ilia Topuria via The Ariel Helwani show
Ilia Topuria seemingly highlighted the former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou’s African ethnicity to respond to McGregor’s claim. Interestingly, the Spaniard and the Irishman have been engaged in a feud for several weeks.
The conflict began when Topuria called out McGregor after his victory against Alexander Volkanovski. Since then, the two fighters have not criticized each other. Interestingly, despite their animosity, both Topuria and McGregor targeted the same fighter.
Ilia Topuria responds to Conor McGregor saying he’s more Spanish than him:
“When I see myself in the mirror, below my waist, I also think sometimes I’m more African than Francis Ngannou.” 😭😭😭😭
🎥 @arielhelwani #HelwaniShow pic.twitter.com/UCWkyVd0Dk
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 15, 2024
Amid their ongoing conflict, Topuria had previously admired the Irishman as his role model. As a result, the featherweight champion has emulated Conor McGregor in various ways. Furthermore, El Matador has endeavored to replicate some of McGregor’s memorable moments. That said, Topuria is aiming to accomplish a feat that the Irishman was the first to achieve.
Ilia Topuria has his eyes set for double UFC gold
‘El Matador’ Ilia Topuria made his UFC debut in 2020 and has maintained an undefeated record since then. Throughout his UFC career, Topuria has defeated several top names in the featherweight division to earn a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski. Interestingly, he seized the opportunity and knocked out Volkanovski with his exceptional striking skills.
Since winning the UFC featherweight title from Volkanovski, Topuria has been considering various challenges. As such, he has even called out some top fighters, including lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. However, amidst all this, Topuria has expressed his desire to fight for the double champion status soon. Moreover, he also mentioned that he doesn’t have any issues fighting at 155 lbs.
It’s easier for me, the weight cut. I felt very good at that weight… I already fought at 155 in London against Jai Herbert. So, I felt really good so I want to do it once again and for the world title because I don’t want to do it with any different opponent…
Ilia Topuria via The Ariel Helwani Show (Check from 23:10)
Currently, Ilia Topuria is set to fight Max Holloway at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi in a few days. Interestingly, in order to achieve double champion status, Topuria will have to defeat one of the most successful featherweights in UFC history. That being said, now it will be interesting to see how this fight unfolds.
