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UFC Champion Ilia Topuria Reacts to Conor McGregor's Fight Rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Dec 18, 2024 6:53 AM ET

UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has shot down rumors of a potential fight against Conor McGregor, calling out the Irishman in a fiery statement on X.

The reigning champion dismissed the speculation, which had surfaced following McGregor’s recent claim of negotiating a boxing exhibition with Logan Paul in India.

McGregor mentioned Topuria in his post even though it didn't make much sense to do so, prompting the Spaniard's response.

"The rumors of a bout with [Topuria] are false," McGregor wrote.

“The rumors of bout with mchicken are false,” Topuria responded on X. “I don’t fight nor am I interested in fighting with a rapist.”

The rumors of bout with mchicken are false. I don't fight nor am I interested in fighting with a rapist.
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) December 17, 2024

Topuria’s comments follow his earlier callout of McGregor in February after capturing the UFC featherweight title, which also prompted a response from McGregor.

However, the Spaniard has since turned his focus toward other career goals, including a move to the lightweight division to face reigning champion Islam Makhachev in a superfight to become a two-title holder.

Despite the animosity between the two fighters, McGregor never entertained Topuria’s callouts in terms of accepting a fight against the Spaniard.

With his sights set on lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, Topuria aims to continue his ascent in the UFC instead of focusing on facing McGregor, who's been out of the promo since 2021.

McGregor, it must be noted, is under contract with the UFC for two more fights with his return expected to happen at some point through the 2025 calendar year.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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