Undefeated UFC featherweight contender Ilia Topuria has entered the Conor McGregor sweepstakes, offering to fight “Notorious” next year in Spain.
McGregor, who hasn’t competed since a loss to Dustin Poirier back in 2021, is finally gearing up for his Octagon return in 2024. In fact, the former UFC double champion teased a special announcement for New Years Day to confirm his next opponent and official return date.
While McGregor is still expected to fight fellow Ultimate Fighter coach, Michael Chandler, in his return there’s a chance the promotion pivots at the last second and brings “Notorious” back against someone else. Topuria is probably not on the short list of fighters McGregor would like to see early next year, but “El Matador” had to fire his shot.
On Friday, Topuria called out McGregor for a showdown in Spain sometime in 2024. The Spanish fighter didn’t trash talk “Notorious,” but he was pretty clear as to what he wants next.
Topuria vs McGregor #ufcspain
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) December 29, 2023
“Topuria vs McGregor #ufcspain.”
Of course, Topuria is expected to fight Alexander Volkanovski for the undisputed UFC featherweight title at UFC 298 this coming February. Topuria has produced a 6-0 record since entering UFC back in 2020 and will have his chance to knock off the featherweight champion and solidify himself as the next big star for the promotion.
If Topuria is able to defeat Volkanovski next year then there may be a chance he scores a matchup with McGregor somewhere down the road.
What say you, Maniacs? Is McGregor vs. Topuria a matchup you’d want to see?
Let us know!