UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has clapped back at UFC star Conor McGregor following his comments towards the Spaniard at the BKFC Spain press conference this Thursday afternoon.
After becoming part-owner of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship promotion earlier this year, the former UFC two-weight world champion has taken a relatively hands-on approach to his role.
Since winning the featherweight strap against Alexander Volkanovski earlier this year at UFC 298, Ilia Topuria has been slowly budding into the UFC’s next big star, and he has had a few verbal squabbles with the ‘The Notorious’ in the process.
Conor McGregor claims he will slap Ilia Topuria back to Georgia
During the BKFC Spain press conference earlier this Thursday, Conor McGregor represented his promotion by speaking in front of the media and a select few fighters who will be competing on the October 12 event.
Not only did the 36-year-old speak about his contractual situation with the UFC and the fact he only has two fights left, but he also revealed that following the end of his UFC deal, he will compete under the BKFC banner.
‘The Notorious’ was also asked how a Bare Knuckle Boxing fight against ‘El Matador’ would go, saying: “You know, Ilia, the Spanish-Georgian lad, he’s not bad, he’s a boxing heavy style, he would certainly lend well in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
“I’d slap him around, he’s too small, you know, I’m a big lad compared to Ilia but he’s not bad, he’s a current UFC world champion, and all of these guys, make no mistake about it, are looking at this (BKFC).”
McGregor didn’t stop there, though, as he commented after the press conference to KOImenero: “Combat sports are big here in Spain so, you know, I’m not here for no reason my man. Topuria, boom boom boom (slapping his hand), slap the head off him no problem. No problemo. I’ll slap him back to Georgia.”
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Ilia Topuria responds to Conor McGregor’s comments
The outspoken featherweight champion saw the Irishman’s comments and fired back with some comments of his own.
“Pinky toe! Welcome to my home. It’s great seeing you working for us! Come to Madrid and we will see who slaps who. Topuria Knuckles for dinner!!!” the Spaniard commented on X.
Although the 27-year-old’s first title defense is likely to come against current BMF champion, Max Holloway, a date is yet to be set, with Topuria hoping to fight in October in Abu Dhabi so that it’s in primetime for the Spanish fans.
Despite that, MMA journalist, Ariel Helwani, has claimed that the promotion is targeting UFC 307 on October 5, in Salt Lake City, for the featherweight title fight.