Ilia Topuria: “If Conor can do it, so can I” – Directly calls out Canelo vs Crawford

Ilia Topuria isn’t just chasing UFC gold — now, he wants combat sports supremacy.

Fresh off becoming one of the UFC’s hottest new champions, Ilia “El Matador” Topuria has set social media ablaze with a bold proclamation: “If Conor can do it, so can I.” The undefeated lightweight star made headlines this week by directly calling out the ongoing Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford rivalry — and hinting that he wants a piece of the action.

In an unexpected but confident statement, Topuria put the MMA and boxing worlds on notice: he’s serious about a crossover — and he believes he’s earned it.

“If Conor Can Do It, So Can I” – The New Blueprint

Topuria’s quote references none other than Conor McGregor’s legendary leap into boxing when he faced Floyd Mayweather in 2017. That megafight changed the game, opening the floodgates for crossover bouts that combine the reach of boxing with the excitement of MMA.

Topuria now sees himself as the natural successor to that model.

“I’m undefeated. I’ve beaten world champions. I sell arenas. Why not me?” Topuria said during a recent appearance on The MMA Hour. “If Conor McGregor can step into boxing and fight Mayweather, then I can fight Canelo or Crawford. The world is watching.”

Indeed, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. With Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford dominating the boxing headlines — and both men expressing interest in legacy-defining bouts — Topuria’s entry into the conversation is a strategic masterstroke.

He’s not just chasing fame — he’s targeting icons.

Why Ilia Topuria Thinks He Belongs

At just 27 years old, Ilia Topuria (17-0) is undefeated and has captured gold in the UFC. He’s known for his crisp boxing, vicious knockouts, and a ruthless pressure style that makes him one of the most dangerous men in MMA.

Critics have long called him a “mini Tyson” due to his compact power and finishing instincts — and Topuria is leaning into that narrative.

“I’m not just a fighter,” he told reporters this week. “I’m an athlete who can adapt. My hands are fast, my timing is elite, and I have the heart for war. I believe I can make boxing history, just like I did in the UFC.”

He may not have the same global recognition as McGregor (yet), but what Topuria lacks in celebrity, he makes up for in momentum. His recent win over Alexander Volkanovski catapulted him to stardom, and he’s quickly becoming one of the most marketable faces in MMA.

The Canelo and Crawford Angle

So where do Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford fit into this equation?

The two boxers are currently navigating their own war of words, teasing what could become one of boxing’s biggest matchups of the decade. But while they size each other up, Topuria is positioning himself as a third option — and a massive payday.

“I see Canelo. I see Crawford. I respect them both,” Topuria said. “But if they want real fireworks, let’s do it with four-ounce gloves. Or meet me in the middle. Make history with me.”

This is classic Topuria — never lacking confidence and always pushing the limits. He’s made it clear he wants the same crossover attention that Conor McGregor, Jake Paul, and others have capitalized on — but with real fighting credibility behind it.

And to some fans and pundits, he’s got a point.

Public Reaction – Ambition or Overreach?

As expected, reactions to Topuria’s comments have been divided.

Supporters praise him for dreaming big and aiming for greatness. UFC commentator Daniel Cormier tweeted:

“Ilia wants smoke with Canelo? That’s bold — but you’ve got to admire the ambition.”

But others believe Topuria may be getting ahead of himself.

“He’s only defended the belt once, and now he’s talking about Canelo and Crawford?” one fan wrote. “Prove yourself in MMA before you go chasing boxing money.”

Still, the buzz is undeniable. The idea of Topuria stepping into the ring — whether it’s with Canelo, Crawford, or another elite boxer — has already sparked debate across both sports.

What Would a Fight Look Like?

Could Topuria actually compete with Canelo Alvarez or Terence Crawford in a boxing match?

The short answer: it depends.

In pure boxing, Canelo and Crawford are elite technicians with decades of experience. Even Conor McGregor, with all his striking prowess, was eventually broken down by Mayweather.

But in a modified ruleset — or an exhibition with smaller gloves, clinch rules, or even hybrid combat like we’ve seen in BKFC or ONE Championship — Topuria’s power and MMA experience could give him a chance to make it competitive.

One promoter who asked not to be named called the idea “potentially massive,” citing the growing demand for crossover events.

“If you put Topuria, undefeated, young, loud, against someone like Crawford or even a late-stage Canelo, it sells. No question.”

What’s Next for Topuria?

Of course, Topuria still has business in the UFC. The Arman Tsarukyan situation — with Topuria reportedly refusing the fight — is still brewing. Dana White has yet to announce the champion’s next opponent.

But if Topuria’s latest statements are any indication, his ambitions stretch far beyond UFC belts. He wants to follow Conor’s path — not just in crossing over, but in becoming a transcendent combat sports figure.

And with charisma, talent, and an undefeated record, he just might pull it off.

Final Thought: Can “El Matador” Rewrite the Rules?

Ilia Topuria’s message is clear: he doesn’t want to be just another UFC champion. He wants to be a global icon, a legend — the man who broke barriers between MMA and boxing.

“If Conor can do it, so can I,” he declared.

Now, the combat sports world waits to see if he can turn that belief into reality.