Topuria challenges the legend: Prime McGregor wouldn’t be a problem for me either

 Reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria is never one to hold back his opinions. In his latest statement that’s set the MMA world buzzing, Topuria boldly claimed he would have beaten prime Conor McGregor without question. The confident champ left no room for ambiguity when he said,
“I could’ve beat him without a doubt.”

The statement, paired with a powerful side-by-side image of a young McGregor and Topuria, quickly went viral, prompting heated debates among fight fans. Could the current lightweight king really have taken down The Notorious at his peak? The arguments for and against are piling up fast.

Topuria’s Rise: Why He Believes He Could Beat the King of Trash Talk

Ilia Topuria has been on a meteoric rise in the UFC, capturing the lightweight title with a first-round knockout over Charles Oliveira. His crisp boxing, lethal power, and underrated grappling have made him one of the most complete fighters in the division today.

Topuria’s confidence stems not only from his recent championship win but also from the flawless record he carries. He remains undefeated, something McGregor could not say even during his prime. The Georgian-Spanish fighter is fearless in his self-assessment and believes his skill set matches perfectly against McGregor’s:

• Superior defensive grappling

• Better fight IQ

• More precise boxing fundamentals

• Composure under pressure

These are the qualities that Topuria feels would have dismantled McGregor, even in the Irishman’s most dominant run between 2015 and 2017.

Conor McGregor’s Prime: A Force of Nature in the UFC

To understand the weight of Topuria’s claim, one must revisit the era when Conor McGregor ruled the MMA world. During his prime, McGregor:

• Knocked out Jose Aldo in 13 seconds to win the featherweight title.

• Defeated Eddie Alvarez in a flawless performance to become the first double champion in UFC history.

• Sold out arenas and broke pay-per-view records.

McGregor’s striking was electric. His left hand, dubbed the “Celtic Cross,” was arguably the most feared weapon in the UFC. Combined with his psychological warfare, few could withstand his attacks in the Octagon or in the media.

But while McGregor’s aura was nearly untouchable, fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov eventually exposed flaws in his grappling and cardio. It is these flaws that Topuria believes he could exploit.

Fans React: McGregor’s Loyal Army Fires Back

As expected, McGregor’s massive fan base did not take kindly to Topuria’s remarks. Social media exploded with responses defending the Irish superstar:

• “Prime Conor destroys anyone at 145 or 155. Topuria’s not even close.”

• “Ilia is great, but no one did what Conor did. Back-to-back champs? No way.”

• “McGregor would’ve KO’d him in two.”

But Topuria’s fans hit back just as hard:

• “Ilia has more tools. He would’ve smothered Conor in the later rounds.”

• “People forget Conor struggled on the ground. Ilia’s jiu-jitsu would crush him.”

• “McGregor never faced a pressure fighter like Topuria in his prime.”

Breaking Down the Hypothetical Fight: Topuria vs. McGregor

Let’s imagine prime Conor McGregor circa 2016 facing 2025 Ilia Topuria:

Striking:

McGregor’s speed, range, and precision would pose problems early. But Topuria’s defensive head movement and compact boxing style could allow him to close the distance.

Grappling:

Here’s where Topuria holds the edge. McGregor has always been vulnerable when taken down. Topuria’s top control and submission game would likely exploit that weakness.

Cardio:

McGregor’s stamina famously faded in several fights. Topuria’s pace and aggression over five rounds could drown the Irishman in deep waters.

Fight IQ:

Both men are highly intelligent fighters. McGregor’s striking creativity and Topuria’s strategic pressure would make this an elite-level chess match.

X-Factor:

McGregor’s mind games. Could Topuria remain mentally composed under McGregor’s trash talk? Given Ilia’s calm demeanor and focus, most believe he would.

Is Ilia Topuria The Modern Lightweight King?

With Charles Oliveira out of the way, Topuria’s next challenges could include killers like Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, and Islam Makhachev. But by calling out McGregor, even hypothetically, Topuria positions himself in the pantheon of the greats.

McGregor’s accomplishments made him a global superstar, but Topuria aims to create a legacy rooted in dominance rather than showmanship.

Topuria and McGregor: Very Different Personalities

Where McGregor’s career was fueled by brash confidence, luxury lifestyles, and global media attention, Topuria’s approach is grounded in discipline, respect for the sport, and a quieter charisma. Their clash would be a classic battle of flash versus substance:

• McGregor’s trash talk and mental warfare.

• Topuria’s icy composure and no-nonsense fight preparation.

It’s a fascinating contrast that fuels fan interest even though the fight will likely never happen.

Would Dana White Have Booked This Fight in McGregor’s Prime?

Had Ilia Topuria risen to prominence during McGregor’s prime years, UFC President Dana White would have had a tough decision. Would he risk the UFC’s cash cow against an undefeated, dangerous contender with no proven pay-per-view draw?

History suggests Dana might have delayed this fight, preferring to match McGregor with bigger box-office names first. But the allure of a champion vs. undefeated phenom matchup could have been too tempting to resist.

What’s Next for Ilia Topuria?

With McGregor’s prime long gone and his UFC return date uncertain, Topuria’s focus must shift to live contenders. Justin Gaethje, in particular, has been vocal about wanting the next shot—and is threatening to retire if he doesn’t get it.

If the UFC books Topuria vs. Gaethje at Madison Square Garden in November, it could become one of the biggest lightweight title fights in years.

Meanwhile, McGregor remains outside the cage, occasionally teasing a comeback but showing little urgency to re-enter the division’s title picture.

Why This Debate Matters in MMA Culture

MMA fans love fantasy matchups. Whether it’s Anderson Silva vs. Georges St-Pierre, Jon Jones vs. Fedor Emelianenko, or now Topuria vs. McGregor, the debates define the sport’s passionate fan base.

These hypothetical clashes aren’t just for entertainment—they help define legacy. By claiming he would’ve beaten McGregor, Topuria isn’t just bragging. He’s staking his place in lightweight history.

McGregor’s Response: Silence or Fire?

As of now, Conor McGregor has not publicly responded to Topuria’s claim. But if we know anything about McGregor, it’s that he rarely lets these comments slide.

Fans can expect a fiery tweet, an Instagram post, or even a call-out video soon. Whether in jest or genuine anger, McGregor’s reaction will add another chapter to this evolving story.

The Legacy Conversation: McGregor vs. Topuria

If the two never meet, the debate over who’s greater will come down to legacy:

• McGregor: Multiple division champion, pay-per-view king, cultural icon.

• Topuria: Potentially one of the most complete lightweight fighters, undefeated, and respected for his technique.

Legacy is measured differently in MMA. McGregor’s charisma transcended the sport, while Topuria’s may lie in being an all-time great technician.

Final Thoughts: Fantasy Fight, Real Debate

While Ilia Topuria vs. Prime Conor McGregor will remain a fantasy matchup, the debate it sparks is very real. Fans, fighters, and analysts alike are now weighing in on how such a clash would’ve gone down.

For now, Topuria will focus on defending his title against the real threats in today’s lightweight division. As for McGregor, his place in MMA history is secure—but his aura remains a target for fighters like Topuria who want to prove they’re better than the legends who came before them.