Khabib Nurmagomedov Gets Real About Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev Recreating Conor McGregor Rivalry

UFC great Khabib Nurmagomedov compares Conor McGregor rivalry with Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria.

Khabib Nurmagomedov Gets Real About Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev Recreating Conor McGregor Rivalry

Khabib Nurmagomedov doesn't think Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev rivalry could compete with him and Conor McGregor's (via Imago/X)

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Ilia Topuria has quickly become one of UFC’s biggest superstars, recently capturing the lightweight championship with an impressive performance. Topuria further cemented his status by dethroning Islam Makhachev, making it to the top of UFC pound-for-pound rankings. Despite frequent comparisons to Conor McGregor, legendary fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov believes Topuria shares no similarities with the ‘Notorious’ McGregor personality-wise.

After winning the featherweight title, Topuria immediately targeted a future showdown against lightweight champion Makhachev for double-champ status. Unfortunately, this much-anticipated super fight never materialized, leaving fans disappointed and sparking debates across the mixed martial arts community. Many observers compared their rivalry to Nurmagomedov versus McGregor, but the ‘Eagle’ dismissed these comparisons during his recent interview. 

No, he’s(Topuria) a good guy. You can tell he’s trying to be someone. I don’t think so. All this hype that’s coming from him, I just don’t see it. The interest, the clash of styles, two champion fighting- sure, that can happen. But not a rivalry like ours. 

Khabib Nurmagomedov via Adam Zubayraev

McGregor was extremely toxic during his rivalry with Nurmagomedov, constantly crossing boundaries with unapologetically offensive trash talk. He targeted Nurmagomedov’s religion, family, and nation, making the buildup to their fight one of UFC’s most personal feuds ever. Their rivalry escalated beyond words, resulting in physical altercations, including the infamous bus attack incident before UFC 223 media day.

Even during the fight’s buildup, McGregor’s insults intensified, pushing promotional tensions higher than ever before witnessed inside mixed martial arts. This animosity culminated in a chaotic post-fight brawl after the ‘Eagle’ submitted McGregor at UFC 229, creating worldwide controversy. While Topuria is often accused of copying McGregor’s fighting style, tattoos, and trash-talking, he has been respectful to his opponents. 

Following his lightweight victory, Topuria has talked about potentially moving up and fighting Makhachev in the 170-lbs division. However, according to the fighter, UFC doesn’t want him to do that. As a result, he is aiming for his next title defense. However, given the hype around his rivalry with the Dagestani, CEO Dana White hasn’t completely shut down that idea for a super-fight. 

When Ilia Topuria talked about fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov 

Ilia Topuria made his name in UFC through dominant performances, finishing opponents impressively. He is famous for bold trash talk, confidently predicting knockout finishes, including accurate predictions against Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. His brash personality and precise fight predictions quickly earned comparisons to previous UFC stars, making him a polarizing, yet marketable global figure.

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Ilia Topuria hypothetical fight
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Ilia Topuria hypothetical fight (via X)

Fans admire Topuria’s self-belief and consistent delivery, often witnessing his outrageous predictions come true during spectacular, one-sided dominant performances inside the Octagon. The fighter has also mentioned that he can dominantly beat UFC legends such as Conor McGregor as well as Khabib Nurmagomedov. 

I would be happy to enter the octagon with Khabib Nurmagomedov. He had an undefeated record at 29-0 and he had an attractive record for me, then also history. He is a worthy and honourable champion for me. [I would 100% defeat him].

Ilia Topuria about fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov

Nurmagomedov was extremely commanding on the ground, effortlessly neutralizing elite strikers with relentless grappling pressure and suffocating top control. However, Topuria’s impressive grappling abilities could make a hypothetical fight with Nurmagomedov much closer than previous striker-versus-grappler matchups.