Conor McGregor battling legal troubles no longer face of MMA, claims rising superstar Ilia Topuria
UFC superstar Ilia Topuria compares himself with the former double champion Conor McGregor in terms of popularity.
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Ilia Topuria believes he has a bigger name in MMA than Conor McGregor (via ImagoX)
Ilia Topuria has currently established himself as one of the biggest names on the UFC roster. The featherweight champion had defended his title twice against former champions, which has solidified his position as an elite fighter. Topuria also has trash-talking abilities which has allowed him to go against the likes of Conor McGregor.
Last year, Ilia Topuria made his UFC debut back in 2020 and has continued his undefeated reign. The featherweight fighter is regarded as one of the most complete champions in recent times. In a recent interview, the Georgian-Spanish star compared his stardom with Conor McGregor and shared an interesting detail.
Actually I’m bigger than him, right now. At this point, I’m bigger than him. Maybe more people know him but the way they know him, I don’t want anybody to know me that way.
Ilia Topuria via FULL SEND PODCAST
Topuria expressed that he plans to become a bigger superstar than McGregor. According to the fighter, he represents a different set of values than the ‘Notorious.’ He is ready to wait for superstardom whilst working hard on his professional career. Topuria’s confidence backed by his incredible fighting skills has already earned him millions of fans.
On the other hand, McGregor’s downfall has been the talk of the town in the last few months. From facing legal troubles to several controversial internet meltdowns, McGregor has been doing everything apart from fighting. Young fighters who once looked up to the ‘Mystic Mac’ are now losing respect for McGregor due to his antics.
Conor McGregor’s legendary status in UFC
Conor McGregor is undoubtedly an icon in the UFC. He was the first simultaneous two-division champion and was able to achieve everything that the sport had to offer. He revolutionized MMA with his charisma, devastating knockouts, and historic pay-per-view success.
His legendary victories over Jose Aldo and Nate Diaz, plus his Floyd Mayweather boxing bout, cemented him as a global combat sports icon. Few fighters from his era were able to gain a similar legendary status. In a recent podcast, Chael Sonnen shared his opinion on this.
Yes, I do think that he (Dustin) lives on that Legends Island. I think we’ve got Conor McGregor out there…..I believe that both the Diaz brothers still live on that Island, and I believe that Dustin has made his way out there.
Chael Sonnen via Good Guy/Bad Guy Show
Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor have shared the octagon on three different occasions with DP having the lead. Years after their fight, the bad blood between both fighters is still palpable. Nevertheless, all this drama between the legends has kept the MMA fans on their toes.
Related: Conor McGregor parents: Does the UFC superstar come from a wealthy background?
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Ameetosh Dash
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