Conor McGregor previews fantasy UFC fight with Ilia Topuria: ‘I’d slap him around, I’d beat King Kong

Conor McGregor previews fantasy fight with Ilia Topuria I'd slap him around I'd beat King KongFormer two-weight champion, Conor McGregor has previewed a potential fantasy fight with current featherweight titleholder, Ilia Topuria – particularly…

Conor McGregor previews fantasy fight with Ilia Topuria I'd slap him around I'd beat King Kong

Former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor has previewed a potential fantasy fight with current featherweight titleholder, Ilia Topuria – particularly if both end up in the BKFC in the future, claiming he would “slap” around the unbeaten striking sensation.

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the UFC banner, attended a BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) in Marbella, Spain – helping to promote an October even in the region alongside promotional boss, David Feldman.

conor jose penuela

Striking a partnership with the North American-based glove-less organization earlier this annum, McGregor was slated to make his own return to competition at UFC 303 last month, seeing a scheduled fight with former lightweight title challenger, Ilia Topuria fall to the wayside.

Fracturing a toe on his left foot, McGregor withdrew from a set welterweight return against Topuria as a result, failing to snap a now-three-year plus hiatus away from the Octagon since he fractured his left tibia and fibula against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in the pair’s trilogy rubber match.

Conor McGregor calls for creation of new RMF title amid links to December return to UFC

And alongside his deal with the BKFC, McGregor has played up a potential move to the potential in the near future, confirming he retains just a pair of fights on his current UFC contract.

Conor McGregor vows to “slap” around Ilia Topuria in potential fight

Weighing up potential matchups at today’s pre-event press conference in Malaga, ex-champion, McGregor claimed he would “slap” around Topuria if they shared the ring in the future in the BKFC.

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“You know, Ilia (Topuria) – a Spanish-Georgian lad, he’s not bad,” Conor McGregor told assembled media. “He’s a boxing-heavy style. He would certainly lend well in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship – I’d slap him around, he’s too small. I’m a big lad compared to Ilia, but he’s not bad. He’s a current UFC world champion. …So, if you’re asking – I’d beat King Kong if you’re asking me, you know what I’m saying?”

As for what’s likely next for Topuria, the undisputed featherweight champion is expected to headline UFC 307 in October, taking on would-be common-foe, Max Holloway in his first defense of the divisional title.

Would you like to see Conor McGregor fight Ilia Topuria in the future?

Magomed Ankalaev promises dominant win over UFC star Alex Pereira: ‘He won’t touch me at all’

Magomed Ankalaev plots dominant win over Alex Pereira he won't even touch me UFCSurging light heavyweight contender, Magomed Ankalaev has vowed to turn in a one-sided victory against incumbent gold holder, Alex…

Magomed Ankalaev plots dominant win over Alex Pereira he won't even touch me UFC

Surging light heavyweight contender, Magomed Ankalaev has vowed to turn in a one-sided victory against incumbent gold holder, Alex Pereira in a future UFC title fight, claiming the Brazilian won’t be able to land a single significant strike on him when they share the Octagon.

Ankalaev, the current number two ranked light heavyweight challenger, has been sidelined since earlier this year, most recently turning in a knockout win over Johnny Walker in the pair’s high-stakes rematch at the UFC Apex facility.

dec 10 2022 las vegas nevada usa magomed ankalaev

As for Pereira, the former duel-weight champion headlined UFC 303 at the end of last month during International Fight Week, landing a stunning second round high-kick knockout win over former champion, Jiri Prochazka in the pair’s title rematch. 

Pereira title ufc 303

And linked with a title fight against the surging Russian later this annum as he eyes a December comeback clash at UFC 310, Sao Paulo native, Pereira has welcomed the chance to take on Ankalaev in his return to action. 

“I want to rest a little,” Alex Pereira said. “But I think December would be a good date for me.”

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“I’m feeling good, [and light heavyweight] is where I want to stay,” Alex Pereira continued. “Doesn’t matter [against] who. A lot of people are saying (Magomed) Ankalaev; that’s who they are talking about now. People are focused on him. But I’m training well, just not for him but for anyone. It’s a good fight for me to fight. I’ll be well prepared for him, or anyone.”

Magomed Ankalaev plots dominant win over Alex Pereira

And predicting a dominant title victory against Brazilian knockout star, Pereira, surging challenger, Ankalaev has boldly predicted he’ll emerge hugely unscathed from their potential pairing.

“We all understand – many experts understand that I can easily beat (Alex) Pereira,” Magomed Ankalaev told Aslanbek Badaev during a recent interview. “Not even close. I think with his speed he won’t touch me at all. The most he can do is hit me with a low kick. I think he won’t touch me with his hands. I’m so confident in myself that I can even beat him standing up. I can guarantee this – I can fight him standing up until the end, if necessary. But i want to beat him up, I just want to attack him, just show him that I’m better than him.”

Who wins in a future title fight: Alex Pereira or Magomed Ankalaev?

Dana White hopeful of booking Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler fight in 2024: ‘The fans would love it’

Dana White confident of booking Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler in 2024 the fans would love itUFC CEO, Dana White has revealed that while he has yet to nail down a date for a rescheduled…

Dana White confident of booking Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler in 2024 the fans would love it

UFC CEO, Dana White has revealed that while he has yet to nail down a date for a rescheduled fight between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, himself, fans and broadcast partners, ESPN would “love” to see the clash take place before the end of this annum.

McGregor, a former two-weight champion, marked three years away from the Octagon earlier this month, seeing his most recent fight coming in the form of a first round doctor’s stoppage TKO loss to common-foe, Dustin Poirier back at UFC 264.

Conor McGregor provides update on return amid links to December fight comeback loading

And booked to headline UFC 303 at the end of last month during International Fight Week, Conor McGregor confirmed his withdrawal from a fight with Missouri veteran, Chandler, citing a fractured toe on his left foot in the process.

However, remaining hopeful of rebooking a fight with the former three-time Bellator MMA champion before the close of the annum, over the course of the weekend, McGregor confirmed he had held positive talks with White, and assured Chandler he would be fighting him before the curtain closes on 2024.

Conor McGregor admits deep mental pain after missing UFC 303 return fight
Mandatory Credit: Jose Penuela

Dana White confident of booking Conor McGregor x Michael Chandler this year

And amid links to a potential showdown on December 14. in the main event of UFC 310 in Las Vegas, McGregor’s comeback fight is yet to be nailed down as of yet, according to promotional leader, White, who remains optimistic of securing a date this annum for the Dubliner’s return.

Conor McGregor calls for creation of new RMF title amid links to December return to UFC

“Yeah, that’s the fight that needs to happen,” Dana White said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “Every – we’ve been waiting for it, it’s an awesome fight, it’s a fun fight. And yeah, as I’m sitting here right here right now, no, I don’t have a date for it or a plan or anything like that.”

“Obviously, me, the fans, and ESPN would love it [the fight] to happen in ‘24,” White continued. “We’ll see what happens.”

Do you want to see Conor McGregor take on Michael Chandler before the end of 2024?

Magomed Ankalaev reveals UFC grudge fight with Alex Pereira targeted: ‘We’re waiting for contracts’

Magomed Ankalaev claims UFC grudge fight with Alex Pereira targeted we're waiting on contractsStaking his claim for the next challenge to the light heavyweight throne, Russian contender, Magomed Ankalaev claims the UFC…

Magomed Ankalaev claims UFC grudge fight with Alex Pereira targeted we're waiting on contracts

Staking his claim for the next challenge to the light heavyweight throne, Russian contender, Magomed Ankalaev claims the UFC are targeting a fight between himself and the incumbent titleholder, Alex Pereira, revealing he’s just waiting for the Brazilian to ink his bout agreement.

Ankalaev, the current number two ranked light heavyweight challenger, has been vocal in his pursuit of a grudge fight with former two-division champion, Pereira since the Brazilian’s dominant title defense at UFC 303 at the end of last month.

Alex Pereira urged against heavyweight move by UFC icon it's uncomfortable matchups

Laying waste to the returning former champion, Jiri Prochazka – for the second time since November, no less, Sao Paulo finisher, Pereira launched a stunning second round high-kick – felling the Czech Republic star with another brutal knockout.

And receiving a slew of call outs in the immediate aftermath of his win, Pereira was warned by the above-mentioned, Ankalaev that if he shares the Octagon with him, he will most definitely be finished with strikes.

dec 10 2022 las vegas nevada usa magomed ankalaev

Magomed Ankalaev claims Alex Pereira title fight in the works

Providing an update on his own return to action, Ankalaev claims talks are underway with UFC brass for a title charge against Pereira – who confirmed this week how he plans to make a comeback to defend his crown in December.

Magomed Ankalaev vows to KO Alex Pereira he'll be asking are we back in Brazil

“I believe that’s the next one,” Magomed Ankalaev told TMZ Sports of a fight with Alex Pereira. “It’s been a long time in the making, we’re waiting for contracts to be signed, and I think there is no way he escapes this one. I think we’re going to face each other. As of now, it’s in deep negotiations, it’s really up to Pereira to confirm it.”

“…Yes, he’s been impressive but I think it’s gonna be a relatively easy fight for me,” Magomed Ankalaev explained. “Yes, he went up in the weight class and he beat two impressive strikers, but that’s all he had to face so far. I think he didn’t have any serious grappler opponents, and he’s gonna have a hard time dealing with me.”

Who do you pick to win in a future title clash: Alex Pereira or Magomed Ankalaev?

UFC star Conor McGregor calls for creation of ‘RMF’ title belt amid links to fight return in December

Conor McGregor calls for creation of new RMF title amid links to December return to UFCFormer two-weight champion, Conor McGregor may have outlined his intentions to scoop a record-setting third title in the future…

Conor McGregor calls for creation of new RMF title amid links to December return to UFC

Former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor may have outlined his intentions to scoop a record-setting third title in the future in the form of a welterweight crown, however, has called for the inception of a new ‘Realest Motherf*cker’ championship – which he claims he’s already the inaugural holder of.

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight gold holder and featherweight champion, has been sidelined for three years since he headlined UFC 264, most recently taking on former interim champion, Dustin Poirier.

Conor McGregor provides update on return amid links to December fight comeback loading

Fracturing his left tibia and fibula in his rubber match trilogy with his Lafayette arch-rival, McGregor was slated to return at UFC 303 at the end of last month, with another injury setback cancelling that return. 

Injuring a toe on his left foot in the weeks ahead of a scheduled welterweight main event fight with The Ultimate Fighter 31 rival, Michael Chandler, McGregor has been linked with a return potentially in December – with a UFC 310 card planned for the promotion’s final flagship event of the annum

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Conor McGregor calls for symbolic RMF title fight

And playing up a potential symbolic BMF title fight with former-foe, Max Holloway in a long-anticipated rematch after the Hawiian’s ascension at UFC 300, McGregor has now called for the creation of a brand-new title – which he claims he already owns. 

“The realest motherf*cker belt is mine,” Conor McGregor posted on his official X account.

Conor McGregor confirms UFC 303 fight with Michael Chandler is on amid scrutiny see ya's soon

“Finger has Octagon, My Octagon canvas I’m debating BLACK AND GOLD. With Baguette ropes. Rope a dope, Proper. Ya know the way I do it. Mister don’t blink once. Ya can’t.”

Without a victory since 2020, outspoken Dubliner veteran, McGregor most recently recorded a first round high-kick knockout win over Hall of Fame star, Donald Cerrone in just 40-seconds in his most recent outing at the welterweight limit.

Do you expect to see Conor McGregor return later this year?

Alex Pereira targeting December return for UFC 310 title fight: ‘It would be a good date for me’

Alex Pereira targets UFC 310 return in December for title fight that's a good date for meOff the back of his knockout win just last month, undisputed light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira is already weighing…

Alex Pereira targets UFC 310 return in December for title fight that's a good date for me

Off the back of his knockout win just last month, undisputed light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira is already weighing up his next move – with sights fixed on a title defense at UFC 310 at the end of this year in December.

Pereira, a former undisputed middleweight gold holder and the incumbent light heavyweight champion, headlined UFC 303 at the end of last month during international FIght Week, taking on two-time foe, Jiri Prochazka.

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Felling the Czech Republic for the second time since November of last year, former two-weight champion, Pereira laid out Prochazka with a hellacious second round high-kick knockout, defending his crown for the second time.

Earlier this year, Sao Paulo native, Pereira headlined UFC 300 in April, scoring a one-sided first round KO win over the returning former undisputed gold holder, Jamahal Hill in the pair’s heated grudge match.

pereira ufc 303 prefight

And linked with a slew of next moves off the back of his win against Prochazka, Pereira – who has made a habit of headlining the promotion’s annual trip to Madison Square Garden in November since his organizational debut, appears resigned to missing the showcase this annum.

Alex Pereira weighs up UFC 310 title fight return

Still planning to make one more walk this year, Brazilian star, Pereira confirmed he is eyeing a December date at UFC 310, and weighed up a title defense against the surging, Magomed Ankalaev.

Manager picks surprise rematch for Alex Pereira after UFC 303 win that's underwhelming

“I want to rest a little,” Alex Pereira said on his YouTube channel. “But I think December would be a good date for me.”

“I’m feeling good, [and light heavyweight] is where I want to stay,” Alex Pereira continued. “Doesn’t matter [against] who. A lot of people are saying (Magomed) Ankalaev; that’s who they are talking about now. People are focused on him. But I’m training well, just not for him but for anyone. It’s a good fight for me to fight. I’ll be well prepared for him, or anyone.”

Whilst an official headliner for the promotion’s end-of-year flagship card at UFC 310 has yet to be determined at the time of publication, reports overnight revealed how a potential reworked clash between former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor, and Michael Chandler may land on the event

Who would you like to see Alex Pereira take on in a return at UFC 310?