Conor McGregor Takes Aim at Ilia Topuria Ahead of UFC 308
Conor McGregor has drawn comparisons between himself and Ilia Topuria, but he’s not impressed.
Leading up to Topuria’s featherweight title defense against Max Holloway at UFC 308 this weekend, McGregor and Topuria have been exchanging jabs on social media. Topuria suggested that Holloway should be ashamed of losing to McGregor in the past, while McGregor warned Topuria that his reign could be short-lived if he’s not careful.
McGregor, a former UFC champion in two weight classes, even shared a video on his Instagram Stories comparing his promotional tactics to Topuria’s. Check out the clip below.
In 2015, McGregor famously feuded with then-featherweight champion Jose Aldo. Their UFC 196 showdown was filled with tension, including a memorable moment in Dublin where McGregor snatched Aldo’s belt at a press conference.
McGregor went on to knockout Aldo in just 13 seconds later that year.
Topuria pulled a similar stunt before his fight with Alexander Volkanovski earlier this year. Like McGregor, Topuria seized the opportunity to grab the belt at a press conference before his fight.
And like McGregor, Topuria emerged victorious with a knockout win over Volkanovski in the second round.
The video shared by McGregor clearly contrasts the two fighters, describing Topuria’s actions as “Level: Medium.” The caption reads, “Spot the difference.”
Topuria’s first title defense against Holloway is just days away in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, McGregor is still awaiting his next fight after his last bout in July 2021.