Ilia Topuria Claims He'd Defeat Ryan Garcia in Boxing Match; Garcia Issues Strong Response

The undefeated Spanish-Georgian sensation, who is preparing to unify his title against interim champion Justin Gaethje, spoke openly about his desire to transition into professional boxing. However, Topuria emphasized that he is only interested in legacy fights against established champions, not cash grabs against unworthy opponents.

“Boxing is definitely something where I say, ‘Wow, I’d love to do that,” Topuria told Colmenero. “But I’d love to do it with someone big, someone real with an established name. Someone who can add to my resume, which I’ve worked so hard to build. I wouldn’t want to put it in the hands of a nobody just for money.”

This is far from the first time Topuria has called out boxers, previously having a feud with Terence Crawford before “Bud” fought against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

Garcia Named as Potential Opponent

When Colmenero suggested a potential showdown with WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia, Topuria expressed supreme confidence in his boxing skills, dismissing the danger of Garcia’s signature hand speed and left hand.

“That would be a huge fight, I’d love it,” Topuria stated regarding the Garcia matchup. “I see a fight like Ryan Garcia being very comfortable for me. I think I would break him long before it gets to a judge’s decision.” 

The comments instantly went viral across combat sports social media.

It didn’t take long for Ryan Garcia to get word of Topuria’s bold prediction. Never one to back down from an online exchange, Garcia took to X to issue a stern and graphic warning to the UFC star, dismissing his boxing credentials.

“You are a damn good striker for MMA, that’s it,” Garcia wrote on X. “You wouldn’t be sipping on tea after our fight, you would be eating thru a straw after our fight. Stay in your lane. I’ll gladly stay in mine.” 

The Back-and-Forth Continues

Topuria, known for his aggressive trash talk, immediately countered Garcia’s warning with a blistering rebuttal. He escalated the feud by not only dismissing Garcia’s resume but also dragging the boxer’s upcoming opponent, Conor Benn, into the crossfire:

Garcia responded by pointing to his experience against world-class boxers, labeling Topuria just another “UFC hype job” looking to cash out:

The exchange then took a turn when Topuria brought up Garcia’s 2024 suspension for a positive Ostarine test following his fight against Devin Haney.

“The biggest win of your career came with steroids. So that’s where your confidence comes from? Interesting,” Topuria taunted on X, referencing the overturned result. 

Despite the heated back-and-forth, both men currently have more pressing obligations inside their respective sports that likely prevent this fantasy matchup.

Topuria is set to headline the historic UFC Freedom 250 card on June 14 at the White House, facing interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. It marks the night Topuria attempts to solidify his claim as the promotion’s undisputed lightweight king.

Meanwhile, Garcia is gearing up for his own high-stakes title defense. The WBC welterweight champion is scheduled to face British star Conor Benn in September 2026, a fight that keeps him firmly occupied in the boxing world for now.

While crossover fights have become more common in recent years, Topuria’s UFC contract remains a significant obstacle. However, the verbal warfare has successfully reignited the classic "MMA vs. Boxing" debate, keeping both men in the headlines as they prepare for their respective upcoming fights.