Islam Makhachev Pitches in on Conor McGregor Vs Ilia Topuria What-If Fight With Absolute High Praise

This year, Islam Makhachev relinquished his UFC lightweight title when he announced his move up to 170 lbs. He has since captured the UFC welterweight gold and is awaiting his chance to defend it the next season. In the meantime, the former UFC 155-pound king has pitched in on a fantasy matchup between Ilia Topuria and Conor McGregor.

Islam Makhachev’s exit from the division resulted in Ilia Topuria swooping in to win the vacant gold at UFC 317: Topuria vs. Oliveira. This setup was paved along the way for quite some time, with ‘El Matador’ wanting to fight the Dagestani. But it’s not just this duo; they have both been in a direct clash with the former divisional king, Conor McGregor.

Although he has knocked out his last few opponents, “El Matador” is considered more well-rounded than the crisp boxer McGregor ever was. Topuria’s team even floated the idea that his wrestling was untested, in hopes of selling the Makhachev super fight while both were champions at 145 and 155 pounds. Hence, the Dagestani has now pitched in on the comparisons between the two.

If talking about pure offensive power, maybe Topuria [has] more…But as counterpuncher, McGregor was better. His timing, the way he waited and set things up – like I am also southpaw…way he would catch opponents with the left hand while making them miss. That was on another level.

Islam Makhachev to Sport-express channel @ushatayka

For a total of 29 Rounds, so far, Topuria has 7 KO wins and is undefeated in his pro run; ‘The Notorious’ had 19 KO wins. But the comparisons between them don’t end there and are plenty. From back tattoos to robust KOs and pure standup. Topuria was also only the 2nd ever fighter to snag both 145 and 155 pound gold after McGregor.

Ilia Topuria & Conor McGregor – Let It Happen pic.twitter.com/26jtRpfUfD

— Takip et: @yigitwasrightt (@yigittarsiv) June 29, 2025

🚨: Conor McGregor shows a DM from Ilia Topuria from 9 years ago.

(via @TheNotoriousMMA on I/G) pic.twitter.com/T3EV3IpS4n

— MMACentel (@CovMMACentel) June 30, 2025

The Alicante-Georgian was also the only other to make it as a 30 Under 30 – Forbes España A-lister after Mac. He also angled for a lengthy warfare with Makhachev, which was reminiscent of yet another European striker, McGregor, and his rivalry with Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. This rivalry even brought in Makhachev on occasion.

However, the UFC Welterweight king had rare praise for the rival as an overall counterattacker and a force to be reckoned with. Awaiting his return and some old grandeur, McGregor even took a sabbatical and got married recently. In a recent outing with Bloody Elbow, the Irishman praised Makhachev and said he’s waiting to eventually come back and take on Makhachev, the new hot topic across divisions. Maybe that’d put their old rivalry to bed and prove who’s better.

Conor McGregor has rare offer to box against a pure striker, and it’s not his usual rivals

Conor McGregor hasn’t boxed in the square ring since his 2017 debut against Floyd Mayweather. 2017’s The Money Fight, Boxing vs. MMA: Champion of Champions, had a ceremonial WBC light middleweight title on the line. But it was so much more; it set the tone for pioneer boxing and many other heads have pitched in to do so again. With a live gate of $55,414,865.79, the event was a banger.

Yet, any other name is yet to do it another time, even McGregor. This time, though, it’s an oddity. No – it’s not Ilia Topuria, or even Islam Makhachev, both of whom have traded spots as #1 P4P and showed they are potent all-around. This time, it’s Petr Yan.

Let’s make the best main event of 2026, IBA is ready to organize this fight — all we need is your agreement.
Waiting for your confirmation 🙌🏻 @petr_yan @thenotoriousmma

IBA President Umar Kremlev on IG

Careo entre Conor McGregor y Petr Yan en Dubai, les riega fatal a los dos, cabras.pic.twitter.com/qm9XhyoRPv

— Infinity MMA (@Infinity_MMA) December 9, 2023

The post was accompanied by a viral staredown, albeit a friendly one, between Notorious and Yan in 2023. McGregor was even touting himself as the best boxer while hugging Yan.

‘No Mercy’ is in a league of his own with his pure standup, advancing pace, and chaining up strikes and combos for sudden TDs and trips. These days, Petr Evgenyevich Yan is enjoying the fruits of his labor as he overcame Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs. Yan 2 to win the bantamweight gold.

ALSO READ: Ilia Topuria Negotiating For Return, Not Opposed to Following Rival Conor McGregor Into Presidency Bid