Ilia Topuria recently shared his UFC ambitions, revealing he is open to fighting Conor McGregor while prioritizing a lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev. On The Joe Rogan Experience with host Joe Rogan, recorded on April 16, 2025, Topuria outlined his plans after vacating his featherweight title to compete at 155 pounds.
Topuria’s Big Fight Vision
Topuria, undefeated at 16 wins and no losses, expressed his stance on potential matchups.
“Actually we had that talk,” he said during the podcast, discussing a possible fight with McGregor. “If they offered me a fight against Conor right now, we will see. Why not I would not say no.”
He also remarked,
“Do you think it is gonna be exciting if I beat Islam and then I give the chance to Conor”
These statements show Topuria is open to facing McGregor now, a change from his earlier doubts about the former champion’s relevance due to McGregor’s time away and personal issues. However, Topuria emphasized that his main goal is to defeat Makhachev for the lightweight title, and he would not pursue a fight with McGregor afterward, focusing instead on his championship reign.
Aiming for Lightweight Gold
Topuria’s knockouts of featherweight stars Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway fuel his confidence to dominate at lightweight. Makhachev, with 27 wins and 1 loss and mentored by Khabib Nurmagomedov, insists Topuria prove himself in the division before a title shot. Makhachev is also eyeing a welterweight title run if his teammate Belal Muhammad loses his belt at UFC 315. Topuria, undeterred, believes he is ready for Makhachev now and has claimed the champion is avoiding him.
Topuria, now 28 and riding an unbeaten streak, won the UFC featherweight championship before vacating it to chase lightweight goals. His openness to McGregor, one of MMA’s biggest stars, alongside his pursuit of Makhachev, highlights his ambition to face top names.
