UFC is Negotiating the Fight Ilia Topuria Vs Conor McGregor: Shocking Confirmation from the Former Champion Himself!

The UFC world has been shaken once again, and this time it’s not by a brutal knockout or a controversial decision—it’s by a potential super-fight no one saw coming. In a move that could reshape the promotional landscape, the UFC is reportedly in advanced talks to book Ilia Topuria vs. Conor McGregor, a mega-bout that could pit the undefeated featherweight champion against the sport’s most polarizing and iconic figure. What started as a rumor has now exploded into mainstream MMA news after Conor McGregor himself confirmed that negotiations are underway.

This shocking development has fans asking: Why Topuria? Why now? And could this be the UFC’s biggest gamble yet? With both fighters known for their flair, knockout power, and commanding presence on the mic, this matchup could transcend the sport itself and become a global pay-per-view spectacle.

Conor McGregor Confirms UFC Negotiations: “Topuria? We’re Talking. That’s the One.”

In a surprise social media video and a follow-up appearance on The MMA Hour, Conor McGregor stunned fans by confirming he is “deep in talks” with the UFC for a potential bout with Ilia Topuria. While many expected McGregor to return against Michael Chandler—especially after The Ultimate Fighter Season 31 teased that matchup—the Irishman suggested the Topuria bout has caught fire behind the scenes.

“He’s undefeated, he’s loud, he’s flashy. I like it. It’s fresh. And I’ll shut him up,” McGregor stated with his trademark confidence. “Topuria? Yeah, we’re talking. That’s the one that gets me up in the morning.”

These comments lit up the MMA universe. Ilia Topuria, the newly crowned featherweight king, is on a meteoric rise and recently challenged Islam Makhachev for a lightweight title clash. Now, the UFC may be detouring that journey for what could be the most explosive fight of 2025.

Ilia Topuria’s Meteoric Rise and Unstoppable Momentum

If anyone in the UFC deserves a headline-grabbing opportunity, it’s Ilia Topuria. Born in Germany to Georgian parents and raised in Spain, the undefeated phenom has quickly become a global sensation. After dismantling featherweight legend Alexander Volkanovski and capturing the 145-pound belt, Topuria made it clear—he wants more than just the featherweight crown.

His dominant fighting style, knockout power, and ruthless pressure have earned comparisons to legends like Jose Aldo and even Conor McGregor himself. But what sets Topuria apart is his ability to sell fights, blending arrogance with charisma and finishing fights in devastating fashion.

After appearing on the Joe Rogan podcast and stating his desire to fight Islam Makhachev, Topuria now finds himself in the crosshairs of the biggest name in MMA history.

And he’s not backing down.

“If Conor wants to test himself against the best, I’m here,” Topuria tweeted after McGregor’s comments went viral. “I’ll retire him properly.”

Why This Fight Makes Sense for the UFC—and Why It’s a Risk

On the surface, a bout between Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria is pure gold. It brings together two massive stars, a built-in rivalry between the old guard and the new wave, and enormous international appeal. McGregor still commands attention like no other, while Topuria’s star is rising fast across Europe and Latin America.

But this fight is also a high-stakes gamble, especially for Topuria. As the reigning featherweight champion, stepping up to face a larger, more experienced striker in McGregor (potentially at 155 or even 170 pounds) could derail his momentum if he loses. Conversely, for McGregor, a loss to a rising champion might permanently damage his brand.

Yet this is exactly the type of spectacle UFC president Dana White thrives on. The UFC has always balanced sport with entertainment—and this fight checks every box.

• High-profile names? ✅

• A clash of generations? ✅

• International markets? ✅

• Title implications? ✅

• Viral trash talk and promo wars? ✅✅✅

The business logic is undeniable. But will the fight actually happen?

The Weight Class Dilemma: Featherweight, Lightweight, or Catchweight?

One of the biggest hurdles in making this fight is the weight class. Ilia Topuria is the reigning 145-pound champion, and cutting additional weight to face McGregor would be impossible—especially since McGregor hasn’t fought at featherweight in nearly a decade.

McGregor has competed at 155 and 170 in recent years, and it’s unlikely he’ll cut back down to featherweight. That leaves two possibilities: a lightweight bout or a catchweight super-fight.

Most sources inside the UFC suggest 155 pounds is the most realistic option. This would allow McGregor to return at his optimal weight, while Topuria could move up temporarily without vacating his featherweight title. It also keeps the door open for Topuria to pursue a lightweight belt in the future, especially against Islam Makhachev.

Fans have already begun debating whether this fight should have title implications. Could it be for an interim belt? Could Topuria vacate? The UFC’s decision on this will shape the stakes and ultimately determine the legacy impact for both men.

Stylistic Showdown: Speed vs. Precision, Power vs. Pressure

From a pure fight analysis standpoint, Ilia Topuria vs. Conor McGregor is electrifying. Both fighters are primarily strikers with knockout power and elite timing. But their approach is wildly different.

Conor McGregor thrives on distance, precision, and counterpunching. His left hand remains one of the most dangerous weapons in MMA history. When allowed to dictate range and tempo, McGregor is a sniper capable of ending fights in the blink of an eye.

Ilia Topuria, on the other hand, is chaos incarnate. He pressures early, mixes in body attacks, takedowns, and slick combinations that overwhelm opponents. His ability to maintain a brutal pace and break opponents mentally and physically is unmatched among featherweights.

If this fight happens, expect fireworks from the opening bell. And given McGregor’s layoff and Topuria’s hunger, this could become one of the most violent main events of the decade.

Social Media Explodes: Fan Reactions, Fighter Opinions, and Global Buzz

The MMA world is buzzing with excitement and controversy. As news of McGregor’s confirmation spread, hashtags like #McGregorTopuria and #NotoriousVsElMatador began trending worldwide.

Some fans are hyped beyond belief, calling it a legacy-defining fight for both men. Others are more skeptical, warning that McGregor hasn’t won a fight since 2020 and hasn’t looked like his former self in years. For Topuria fans, this is an opportunity to put a legend to rest. For McGregor’s loyal army, this is a long-awaited resurrection.

Prominent fighters have also weighed in:

• Michael Chandler (expected to fight McGregor): “So I guess we’re skipping me now? Good luck, Conor. You’ll need it.”

• Sean O’Malley: “Topuria’s got that dog in him, but Conor’s power is still scary. This is 50-50.”

• Alexander Volkanovski: “If anyone can push Topuria, it’s Conor. I’d watch that.”

This level of chatter—both fan-based and professional—is exactly what UFC executives look for before greenlighting blockbuster fights.

Could This Be McGregor’s Last Fight? Or Topuria’s Career-Maker?

Beyond the hype, this bout could carry heavy consequences for both fighters’ legacies.

For McGregor, it’s a chance to prove he’s still relevant. A win would erase doubts, launch him back into title contention, and potentially set up another stadium event. A loss, however, might close the chapter on his once-unstoppable mystique.

For Topuria, it’s a career-defining opportunity. Beating Conor McGregor would instantly make him a global superstar, elevating his status far beyond the UFC’s traditional European markets. It would also set up future mega-fights—perhaps even a shot at double-champion status.

What Happens Next: Official Announcement, Timeline, and Event Details

While no official date has been announced yet, sources close to the UFC say the fight could headline International Fight Week in July or a major fall pay-per-view. Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi, and Spain have all been floated as potential host locations.

Dana White has remained coy, stating: “There’s always a lot going on behind the scenes. If something big’s coming, you’ll hear it from us first.”

Given the UFC’s recent trend of stacking cards and pushing international expansion, this fight fits perfectly into their 2025 strategy.

Final Thoughts: A Fight No One Asked for, But Everyone Wants

In a sport full of surprises, Ilia Topuria vs. Conor McGregor might be the most unexpected—and most thrilling—matchup on the horizon. What started as a whisper has now grown into a roar, with both fighters acknowledging that negotiations are underway.

Topuria wants to prove he’s more than just a featherweight king—he wants to become a household name. McGregor wants redemption, relevance, and another moment under the brightest lights.

The UFC is watching. The fans are waiting. And the fight world is holding its breath.

Will Ilia Topuria retire the legend? Or will Conor McGregor remind us why he was once the biggest star in sports?