Ilya Topria wants Conor McGregor to close out his final chapter in the UFC.
“El Matador” shocked the UFC fanbase at UFC 298 by defeating Alexander Volkanovski with an impressive second-round knockout to win the featherweight world title.
Since then, Topuria has been locked in a big-money fight with Irish megastar Conor McGregor.
Despite the recent criticism, Topuria made it clear he has nothing but respect for McGregor and the former two-division champion for what they have done for the sport. But the new 145-pound king said it was his turn to reign, and he intended to start by closing the book on McGregor's storied career.
“First and foremost, he's the perfect person to get our sport out there,” Topria said. during a recent interview In his home country. “My current goal is to spread the sport. I want to spread the sport as much as possible, and I think the more people know about this sport, the better it will be. It's the job I want to do, it's just for the new generation, for myself and for the sport, it's my job and the passion and love I have for the sport. .
“He represents a chapter of MMA and I believe it’s time for that chapter of the season to end and a new one to begin. I think it's like leaving it behind.”
Ilia Topria confirms negotiations are already underway for UFC's first event in Spain
Shortly after Ilia Topria's title-winning performance last month, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the promotion would begin talks to hold an event in Spain, where Topria resides. When asked for an update on these plans, El Matador revealed that negotiations are already well underway.
“There will be a meeting at noon to carry out the entire UFC Spain project,” Topria said. “It's a fairly complex project, but it's being progressed in stages. I don't know if it's going to be Conor or not. It wouldn't surprise me at all. If it's not him, I'll fight another fighter. I think Conor is already behind the season.”
As for when the UFC would head to Spain for the first time in its more than 30-year history, Topuria offered a possible timeline.
“We will start counting from summer onwards,” he added.
Although no official details have been released, all signs point to the event being held inside the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid's iconic home stadium since its completion in 1947.
With his win over Alexander Volkanovski in Anaheim, Ilya Topria improved to a perfect 15-0 in his mixed martial arts career, with his last seven wins inside the Octagon. He finished all but two of his opponents, including five KO wins and eight submission wins.
Even if Topria isn't able to lure Conor McGregor to a fight, he has a number of contenders waiting for his chance to rise to the top of the featherweight division, chief among them former interim champion Yair Rodriguez. Brian Ortega won a big win in February. And of course, there's always Max Holloway, former champion, perennial contender, and currently the number two ranked fighter in his weight class.
