Ilia Topuria has just dropped a bombshell that’s got the MMA world buzzing: he’s named his top three dream matchups, and trust me, they’re not your average fights. But here’s where it gets controversial—one of them is the infamous Conor McGregor, who hasn’t stepped into the octagon since his devastating leg break in 2021. Does Topuria see something in McGregor that others don’t, or is this just a bold move to grab headlines? Let’s dive in.
In a recent chat with Adin Ross on a Kick stream, Topuria laid out his wishlist: Islam Makhachev, Conor McGregor, and Paddy Pimblett. And he didn’t stop there—he specifically called out Pimblett, saying, ‘I’d love to be the first one to knock him out. If someone else did it, I can do it too. And if no one did it, I can always be the first.’ Talk about throwing down the gauntlet!
High-Profile Foes, High-Stakes Drama
Topuria, currently undefeated at 17-0, has his eyes on the biggest names in the game. When he was the featherweight champion, he pushed for a double-champ bid against then-lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev. But here’s the part most people miss—that fight never happened because Makhachev moved up to welterweight, while Topuria climbed to lightweight. Now, both fighters keep teasing a matchup, but Makhachev refuses to drop back down to lightweight. Is this a missed opportunity, or is Makhachev playing it smart?
Conor McGregor, meanwhile, remains a massive draw despite his prolonged absence. Topuria’s interest in facing him speaks volumes about McGregor’s enduring star power. But let’s be real—is McGregor still the fighter he once was, or is this a calculated move by Topuria to capitalize on his fame?
Then there’s Paddy Pimblett, with whom Topuria has a heated history. It all started with Pimblett’s insensitive comments about Topuria’s home country, Georgia, and escalated when he threw a bottle of hand sanitizer at Topuria in a London fighter hotel in 2022. After winning the lightweight title, Topuria made it clear: he wants to defend it against Pimblett. But here’s the twist—Pimblett recently faced Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324, losing by unanimous decision. Gaethje is now set to fight Topuria later this year in a title unifier. Does this mean Pimblett’s shot at Topuria is off the table, or will he find a way to claw his way back into contention?
Controversy Alert: Who Deserves the Shot?
Here’s where things get really interesting. With Gaethje now in line for the title unifier, where does that leave Pimblett and McGregor? Is Topuria’s callout of McGregor a genuine challenge, or a strategic move to keep his name in the spotlight? And what about Makhachev—is his refusal to drop to lightweight a sign of weakness or a smart career move?
Thought-Provoking Question for You: Who do you think Topuria should prioritize among these three opponents, and why? Is McGregor still a relevant challenge, or is Pimblett the more deserving contender? Let’s hear your take in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark some fiery opinions!
