Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria Outlines Their Future Plan to UFC After Losing Their Last Fights

MMA fans may have to wait until 2027 to see the return of both Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria back to the UFC octagon.

Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria Outlines Their Future Plan to UFC After Losing Their Last Fights

Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria (Image via MMA Fighting/Bleacher Report)

Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria are two of the biggest star in the UFC. Despite both of them losing their last fights, there is still a massive anticipation among the fanbase regarding their next fights.

Topuria suffered the first loss of his career at UFC Freedom 250. Topuria’s corner stopped the fight after four violent rounds against Justin Gaethje at the White House. McGregor injured his leg while facing Max Holloway at UFC 329, losing via TKO.

Since then, McGregor had surgery and would only return next year after proper recovery. Meanwhile, Topuria had a six-month medical suspension, which is likely to sideline him for the rest of the year.

Nevertheless, both fighters know exactly what they want moving forward. In the case of the Irishman, he is thinking so far ahead of a career in bare-knuckle boxing after his UFC contract ends with his next fight.

Bare-Knuckle Fighting Championship is unstoppable at the moment. What a few months we’ve had. God bless true fighting. I can’t wait to do it. One more to go and the Mac Daddy is free.

Conor McGregor said

The UFC superstar intends to fulfill his contractual obligations next year, and move on to BKFC. Holloway already called out McGregor to a trilogy bout after their UFC 329 ended quickly. However, UFC CEO Dana White denied wanting to book a trilogy bout.

Meanwhile, the UFC CEO and his matchmaking team discussed the possibility of Ilia Topuria rematching Gaethje. Right now, ‘The Highlight’ is recovering from some lingering issues. As such, he will not compete again till 2027.

Gaethje’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, revealed that the American fighter will return for a lucrative payday. A rematch with ‘El Matador’ is likely to give Gaethje the payday he’s been looking for.

Malki Kawa, the manager of Topuria, confirmed wanting a rematch with Gaethje on Instagram. All the signs point to the promotion booking Gaethje vs Topuria 2 sometime next year.

At the same time, Dana White also likes the idea of ‘El Matador’ facing hated rival Paddy Pimblett. With options on the table for a lucrative fight, fans have to wait a bit longer for official announcements.

RELATED
Dana White’s UFC Gets Called Out for Profiting Off Ilia Topuria and Conor McGregor’s Lowest Moments

Ilia Topuria talks about different mindset and aims to come back stronger

For a long time, Ilia Topuria used his version of ‘Mystic Mac’ predictions before competing inside the octagon. The prediction failed at UFC Freedom 250 when Gaethje defeated him. With that, Topuria wants to come back stronger than ever before.

Ilia Topuria with Joe Rogan
Ilia Topuria with Joe Rogan (Image via MMA Fighting)

The double champion recently addressed his fans in Georgia. In that video, the Georgian-Spanish fighter promised to come back stronger.

When thousands of people are awaiting for my return, this is no longer just anticipation. I promise you all that I’m coming back even stronger. Because today, more than ever before, I know that what matters most is to believe unwaveringly.

Ilia Topuria via TBC

Not only that, Topuria also admitted that achieving and accomplishing one’s dream doesn’t always lead to happiness or joy. He felt that it wasn’t enough, and revealed a new outlook on his life.

So, the thing is that once you achieve your dreams, you realize that it’s not enough. So now I have a completely different mindset. I just try to enjoy the present and enjoy life, and I don’t base my happiness on any goals anymore.

Ilia Topuria said

Former opponent, Alexander Volkanovski, has backed ‘El Matador’ to learn from the loss and rematch Gaethje for the title.

There are cases of great fighters who lose their undefeated status, and become a shell of their former selves.

It remains to be seen if Topuria falls into that category or return better than before with an evolved mindset like he said.

Also Read: