Home
Undefeated UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is ready to step outside the octagon and follow in the footsteps of Conor McGregor by taking on a high-profile boxing match while still under UFC contract. The Spanish-Georgian star has made it clear that he wants to face the winner of the upcoming blockbuster bout between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence Crawford — and if he gets to choose, his sights are firmly set on Canelo.
Following Conor McGregor’s historic move
Topuria’s ambition mirrors McGregor’s unprecedented 2017 crossover fight against boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr., which took place despite Conor McGregor being contracted with the UFC. Now, Topuria hopes the promotion will grant him the same opportunity, giving him the chance to test himself against one of boxing’s elite names.
“Why not me? I would love to box against the winner of Canelo and Crawford. But if I could choose, I want Canelo. He was my idol for many years and I feel I can do it,” Ilia Topuria told reporters. “Let’s do it, now is the best time.”
Riding high in the UFC
The 27-year-old fighter is at the peak of his MMA career, coming off a sensational knockout victory over Charles Oliveira in June to claim his second UFC belt. He has also toppled big names like Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, cementing his status as one of the sport’s most feared and marketable stars. But for Ilia Topuria, conquering the boxing ring is the next frontier.
“This is the perfect moment,” he said. “I feel like I can beat him. If I get the chance to fight him, why not? Come on, [Saudi Arabian promoter] Turki [Alalshikh], give me the chance to win the title.”
Ilia Topuria predicts the Canelo vs. Crawford outcome
Topuria is confident that Canelo Alvarez will emerge victorious when he faces Crawford on September 13 in Las Vegas. His respect for the Mexican champion runs deep, calling him a “role model” and “idol” he has looked up to for years.
“Canelo, obviously. He’s a role model for me. I want my chance against him,” Topuria reiterated.
Canelo’s measured response
When asked about Ilia Topuria’s challenge, Canelo expressed admiration but kept his focus on the task at hand.
“I haven’t seen him fight a full fight, but I like him a lot, I respect him, and I admire him. We’ll see. First things first, right now I’m focused on what’s in front of me,” Canelo Alvarez said.
If Topuria gets his wish, the UFC could witness another historic crossover moment — one that could shake up both the MMA and boxing worlds.
ADVERTISEMENT
