Ilia Topuria for President? Spanish Superstar Jokes About Following Conor McGregor’s Footsteps Outside the Octagon

Conor McGregor recently revealed his nomination for the President of Ireland, and Ilia Topuria was asked if he would consider the same in Spain.

Ilia Topuria for President? Spanish Superstar Jokes About Following Conor McGregor’s Footsteps Outside the Octagon

Ilia Topuria was asked if he would consider Presidency like Conor McGregor (via Instagram, The Irish Sun)

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There are moments in sports when an athlete’s impact extends far beyond competition. UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is quickly becoming one of those figures. His charisma, tattoos, and career trajectory swagger have drawn comparisons to Conor McGregor, whose blend of bravado and mainstream influence helped push MMA into the global spotlight.

Recently, Topuria was even asked if he would consider a career in politics, much like McGregor is doing for the Irish presidency. Since capturing UFC gold in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions like the Irishman, Topuria has risen into one of Spain’s most recognizable sports figures, transcending MMA and entering the national conversation.

The question came on the heels of McGregor’s viral video, where the Irishman stood outside Parliament to announce his run for the presidency of Ireland, a move that made international headlines and eventually caught the attention of Spain.

Topuria addressed the topic during the WOW 22 press conference, an event for the Spanish MMA league he co-owns. When a reporter noted his similarities to McGregor and asked if he envisioned a presidential run in Spain, the lightweight champion was met with applause before giving his response.

The truth is that at this point in my life, I’ve never thought about it. I have never had that kind of reflection if I wanted to be the President, but if the people need it, then of course I would.

Ilia Topuria via WOW 22 press conference

McGregor himself once entertained questions about political ambitions in Ireland, using his star power as a way of influencing national discussions. ‘El Matador’ now finds himself in a similar position, where success in combat sports opens doors to conversations that extend well beyond athletic achievement.

Topuria was born in Germany to Georgian parents before moving to Spain at a young age, where his journey in martial arts began. Initially training in Greco-Roman wrestling, he soon transitioned into mixed martial arts, honing his craft in local gyms while adapting to a new culture. His early career was marked by rapid progress, as he built an undefeated record on the European circuit.

Topuria had taken a significant step in shaping the future of MMA in Spain with the launch of his own promotion, The Way of Warrior (WOW). Designed to serve as both a proving ground and a spotlight for local talent, it aims to provide Spanish fighters with opportunities that were scarce during Topuria’s own rise. WOW has now hosted over thirty events and established itself as the most prominent Spanish MMA promotion.

From comparisons to McGregor and even recent banter with Terence Crawford about a boxing fight, just like McGregor did with Floyd Mayweather, Topuria has come a long way. These steps show that the Spaniard’s impact is no longer confined to fighting alone. He is shaping both the future of MMA in his country and his own legacy as a cultural figure.

Ilia Topuria talks about Conor McGregor’s nightclub controversy

Conor McGregor has been no stranger to controversy outside the Octagon, with one of the most talked-about incidents being an altercation at a Dublin nightclub. Reports and videos emerged that McGregor had allegedly punched a man during a heated exchange, sparking widespread media attention and legal scrutiny. Reigning 155lbs kingpin Ilia Topuria recently weighed in on the controversy.

Ilia Topuria takes a verbal jab at Conor McGregor
Ilia Topuria takes a verbal jab at Conor McGregor (via MMA Fighting, Eurosport)

When asked about the altercation, Topuria did not hold back. He mocked McGregor’s performance in the video, pointing out that despite connecting cleanly with two punches, McGregor failed to knock the man out. Topuria also believed that the altercation undermined the knockout power McGregor once showcased in the Octagon.

I saw the video, and he connected two punches, and he wasn’t even able to knock out an average man. He connected two punches, and the guy walked out like normal, like anything happened.

Ilia Topuria via SHAK MMA

Topuria’s blunt critique taps into a broader narrative surrounding McGregor in recent years. Once feared for his precision striking and finishing ability, the Irishman’s aura of invincibility has faded due to cage losses and frequent controversies outside of competition.

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