Ilia Topuria open to McGregor fight but reveals one bout he wants even more

The future of Ilia Topuria is still a big unknown, considering that the UFC is considering the next steps. Media talks about Ilia attacking the UFC lightweight belt, with the media having various information and assumptions. The UFC leaders know his qualities quite well, but that does not guarantee that he will have an easy path. A great thing would be if Topuria managed to dethrone Makhachev, opening the way to a match against Conor McGregor.

Although the Irish fighter has been absent from the UFC cage for four years, with his future unknown, it seems that this fight would bring the necessary excitement. McGregor turns 37 this year, so it is difficult to give an answer as to what to expect.

Topuria spoke to the media about the match with McGregor and his eventual return.

- I think he will come back. If the UFC is giving opportunities to 40-year-olds like Andrei Arlovski, and there are still plenty of fighters over 40 who were getting a chance, why not do the same with Conor. He and I have actually already had discussions about a potential clash. I don't know what will happen. You know how it is with the UFC, until I do the next show, you don't know what's next. They make it clear that I am not saying anything to anyone. But if they offered me a match with Conor right now, I would say: 'Why not?' I wouldn't turn it down, it would be a great match - said Topuria on Joe Rogan's podcast.

Islam Makhachev

The well-known UFC fighter also believes that the fight against Makhachev is also an equally good option, having a chance to win two belts. However, he singles out one opponent in particular, and the fight with him creates an excitement factor for him.

- What excites me even more is the fight with Paddy Pimblett. That excites me more than the fight with Conor. If the UFC were to arrange that fight in, say, Spain, at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, that would be a huge deal. I know Dana doesn't like stadium events, but it's the only stadium in the world where they can close the roof (incorrect information, ed.). It can also hold 80,000 people, and many fans could travel from England to Spain, because that often happens (at football matches). It would be a huge fight - concluded Topuria.