Ilia Topuria e Conor McGregor are UFC stars. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS Montage
After knocking out charles do brox, Ilia Topuria, without a doubt, has established his name as one of the biggest stars in the UFC. The Spaniard, at just 28 years old, was the first fighter to win two Ultimate belts without knowing the bitter taste of defeat, a feat that led many fans to put his name on the same level as global stars such as Conor McGregor.
However, there are those who see 'El Matador' as just a copy of the Irishman. Participating in 'UFC Unfiltered', Paddy Pimblett stated that Ilia Topuria is nothing more than an imitation of McGregor. The British fighter highlighted visual and behavioral similarities between the two, even citing provocations similar to those of the former champion. In the view of 'The Baddy', despite some fans considering the Spaniard superior, McGregor, in his prime, was a more complete and dangerous fighter.
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“He is trying to be the Conor McGregor, isn't he? He has the same tattoos, he even said the other day: 'I'm going to put my balls in your forehead', to me, which is something similar to what McGregor said. He is literally a carbon copy of McGregor. I think some people can see that, although you see some people saying he's better than McGregor, but he's not. In his prime, if they were active at the same time, McGregor would have knocked him out with a straight left,” said the British star.
Paddy Pimblett could be Ilia Topuria's next opponent
Se Ilia Topuria is or is not better than Conor McGregor, fans will likely never get the chance to see this question resolved inside the octagon. Paddy Pimblett, on the other hand, may have the opportunity to prove his worth against the Spaniard. Since, after knocking out charles do brox and win the lightweight belt, the new champion surprised everyone by naming the British fighter as his next target.
Still in the octagon, Topuria invited Pimblett to come up, and the two engaged in a tense staredown, which ended with a shove. In an interview with 'ESPN MMA', the champion said that, at that moment, he noticed fear and insecurity in his rival's eyes.
“I saw him. His eyes don’t lie. He doesn’t want to fight me. I swear to God, he doesn’t want to fight me. I saw the fear in his eyes. His eyes don’t lie… When we brought him into the Octagon, he was scared. I’m telling you, he was like, ‘What the f*** am I doing here? Why didn’t I go to school, why didn’t I go to college? Why didn’t I choose something different?’” Topuria said.
Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett's staredown didn't please Dana White
Dana White confirms UFC in Brazil in 2025 / Reproduction Super Lutas
At a press conference after the event, Dana White criticized the improvised staredown, stating that it was outside of protocol and that he would not have allowed it if he had still been present next to the cage. For him, the scene was a mistake by the organization.
“I don’t know who the hell let him in there. This should never have happened. Let’s start there. I was already back in my room, or this would never have happened,” said the UFC president.
Conor McGregor wants to fight at UFC Casa Branca
Donald Trump and McGregor during the Irishman's visit to the White House. Photo: Reproduction Instagram/thenotoriousmma
At 36 years old and without fighting since July 2021, when he was defeated by Dustin poirier, Conor McGregor seems to have rekindled its competitive flame. The reason for the new enthusiasm was Donald Trump's statement, which revealed the possibility of the UFC holding an event in the White House gardens, the seat of the United States government.
Excited about the idea, McGregor took to social media to show his interest. In a post on 'X' (formerly Twitter), the Irishman showed himself excited about the proposal and, even after almost four years of inactivity, suggested Michael chandler as a possible opponent.
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