Conor McGregor’s Former Best Friend Backs Irish Star to Beat Ilia Topuria in His Prime

Conor McGregor's old friend-turned-foe picks between prime version of the Irish fighter and current version of Ilia Topuria. 

Conor McGregor’s Former Best Friend Backs Irish Star to Beat Ilia Topuria in His Prime

Artem Lobov believes prime Conor McGregor would have defeated Ilia Topuria (via X)

Ilia Topuria is the current UFC lightweight champion and undoubtedly one of the biggest superstars on the entire UFC roster. Since making his official UFC debut, Topuria has emulated Conor McGregor’s highly successful MMA career and international stardom. As expected, this continuous comparison has raised endless questions about who would win in their prime if McGregor fought Topuria.

Topuria has often been accused of copying McGregor because fans noticed his similar tattoos and trash-talking persona. Much like the ‘Notorious’, Topuria has established himself as a devastating knockout artist, defeating some of UFC’s biggest stars. During a recent interview, McGregor’s longtime friend Artem Lobov was asked about choosing between Topuria and McGregor, and his response was clear. 

I’ll be honest with you, I’m a massive fan of Ilia. His style is incredible. You know, he has incredible striking. Very ballsy. He fights aggressively, comes in fearless, good wrestling. I put him up very, very high up there. I still do think, if I’m really honest, I might be a little bit biased, but I do think that in the prime, Conor still edges it. Watching Conor in his prime was incredible. He was just untouchable.

Artem Lobov via BloodyElbow 

Lobov explained that in McGregor’s prime, he was an unstoppable force, often training against five opponents consecutively without resting. However, those golden days have long disappeared, as McGregor has not entered the UFC octagon for four long years.

His relationship with Lobov has also deteriorated, with Lobov suing McGregor for allegedly stealing the Proper Twelve whiskey concept. Despite their personal fallout, Lobov strongly believed that McGregor in his prime could have beaten both Floyd Mayweather and Khabib Nurmagomedov.

During those days, McGregor wasn’t just a fighter but a global sensation who inspired countless fans, including Topuria himself. However, that admiration has faded completely as Topuria brutally claimed McGregor was now a drug addict. Unlike McGregor, Topuria has built a reputation for possessing a complete fighting arsenal, especially his dominant grappling and submission game.

Recently, ‘El Matador’ surprised combat sports fans by directly calling out pound-for-pound boxing great Terence Crawford for a crossover boxing bout. The move seemed reminiscent of McGregor’s bold challenge against Mayweather, but this time Crawford immediately dismissed Topuria’s callout.

Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria to fight on the same card?

After several years of inactivity, Conor McGregor has finally hinted at a potential UFC return at the White House event. The Irish superstar has officially re-entered the testing pool and released several intense training clips, showcasing his determination and commitment.

Ilia Topuria wants to fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event
Ilia Topuria wants to fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event (via X)

UFC CEO Dana White has publicly approved the idea. He strongly believed McGregor can make a successful comeback regardless of past controversies. The upcoming White House card is expected to be historic, reportedly even bigger than last year’s highly successful UFC Noche.

This monumental event has already attracted several global superstars, including the current pound-for-pound king, Ilia Topuria. In a recent interview, the Georgian-Spanish fighter openly discussed the exciting possibility of facing Islam Makhachev on that blockbuster card.

Why not. I would love to fight in front of the United States of America. We’ll see what’s gonna happen.

Ilia Topuria via FULL SEND PODCAST 

Topuria’s heated rivalry with Makhachev has been building for months, ever since the Georgian-Spanish star made his move to the lightweight division. After Makhachev’s shift to welterweight, Topuria seized the lightweight championship belt and also claimed his pound-for-pound number one ranking.

Currently, Makhachev is focused on his upcoming welterweight title clash against Jack Della Maddalena, scheduled for Madison Square Garden’s event. Although Makhachev admitted interest in dropping back down to settle his rivalry with Topuria, chances of it happening at the White House card remain slim.

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