Ilia Topuria, the undefeated UFC lightweight champion, finds himself at the center of the combat sports universe as both his fighting future and his bold ambitions outside the Octagon continue to spark headlines. Fresh off his electrifying first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June 2025—a performance that cemented his status as one of MMA’s brightest stars—Topuria is now juggling speculation about potential superfights, his next title defense, and even a possible leap into politics. The buzz is only amplified by the timing: as Topuria’s name dominates MMA circles, the boxing world is gearing up for a blockbuster weekend that will see Terence "Bud" Crawford face off against Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in Las Vegas, with UFC CEO Dana White at the helm of Zuffa Boxing’s high-profile launch.
Topuria’s meteoric rise has naturally drawn comparisons to Conor McGregor, the Irishman whose brash persona and career trajectory have blurred the lines between athlete, celebrity, and would-be politician. Fans and pundits alike have wondered if "El Matador" might follow a similar path. In a recent media interaction, Topuria addressed the speculation head-on. When asked about the possibility of entering politics, he responded with characteristic candor: "President Ilia is coming. The truth is, at this point in my career and life, I have never thought about it…but if the people needed it, then of course, yes." His openness only adds fuel to the debate, especially as McGregor’s own rumored political aspirations remain a hot topic in Ireland and beyond.
But Topuria isn’t just fielding questions about his future in government—he’s also stoking the fires of a potential cross-sport showdown. Earlier this week, he made waves by claiming that he would knock out Terence "Bud" Crawford "on first contact" if they ever squared off in a boxing ring. "I won’t talk about what would happen between me and Crawford in an Octagon. I’ll talk about what would happen in a ring. I put him to sleep in the first contact," Topuria declared. Crawford, never one to back down from a verbal spar, shot back with a quip of his own, suggesting that Topuria’s comments were the result of overindulgence: "That dude’s drunk." The playful trash talk has kept fans entertained, even as UFC President Dana White poured cold water on the idea of such a bout, stating, "I certainly hope not," when asked if Topuria and Crawford might ever share a ring.
As the war of words plays out, the stakes in both sports have never been higher. Crawford, with an unblemished 41-0 record and 31 knockouts, is set to face Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed super-middleweight world title at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on September 14, 2025. It’s a "once in a lifetime" event, according to White, and marks a major milestone for Zuffa Boxing, the promotional arm that White has been nurturing alongside his leadership of the UFC. The significance of this weekend’s fight card isn’t lost on anyone in the industry. Just a year ago, UFC’s own attempt to dominate Mexican Independence Day with a glitzy event in Las Vegas couldn’t eclipse the draw of Canelo, whose September fights have become a tradition for boxing fans worldwide. Even with a $20 million production headlined by Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley, the UFC found itself playing second fiddle to the Mexican superstar.
This year, the landscape is even more dramatic. While Canelo and Crawford prepare to light up Las Vegas, Noche UFC will take place some 1,300 miles away in San Antonio, Texas. White, who built the UFC into a global powerhouse by making it everything boxing wasn’t, now finds himself at the epicenter of both sports. His growing investment in boxing—fueled by partnerships with Saudi financiers and the TKO conglomerate—signals a strategic pivot that could reshape the fight game. As one observer put it, "The face of the UFC is now the face of Zuffa Boxing," with White promising even bigger things for the boxing promotion in the coming year. The implications are profound: from potential changes to the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act to the introduction of UFC-style control over belts, rankings, and fighter pay, the future of both sports hangs in the balance.
Meanwhile, Topuria’s own future in the Octagon remains uncertain. Despite emerging unscathed from his title-winning performance against Oliveira, the Spanish-Georgian champion has yet to commit to a date or opponent for his first title defense. Fans had hoped for a quick turnaround, especially with contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje angling for a shot at the belt. Gaethje, in particular, raised eyebrows by declaring he would retire if he wasn’t granted a title fight. But at a recent press conference, Topuria dashed hopes for an imminent announcement, explaining, "Well, I have no idea at all (when I will defend my title). The truth is, we are in (negotiations). We are in the middle of negotiating everything, adjusting the schedule for the remaining part of the year or next year, so I can’t give you a specific answer." When pressed about potential opponents, he was clear: "At this time, none of them," referring to Tsarukyan, Gaethje, or Paddy Pimblett.
The uncertainty has left fans and pundits speculating about who might be next. With Max Holloway, a top-five contender, already defeated by Topuria in a featherweight title fight last year, the list of realistic challengers is growing thin. Nevertheless, most insiders believe that either Tsarukyan or Gaethje will eventually get the nod, given the current landscape of the lightweight division. Until then, Topuria’s focus appears split between maintaining his unbeaten record—now an impressive 17-0—and exploring opportunities that stretch far beyond the Octagon.
His confidence, both inside and outside the cage, is unmistakable. When asked how he would fare against a prime Conor McGregor, Topuria didn’t hesitate: "Without a doubt [I’d beat McGregor]. The sport evolves every year. It’s like comparing a football star from the ’80s or ’90s to today’s game. Maybe they’d shine, but players are better now." Such bold proclamations have only increased his appeal, especially among fans in Spain and Georgia who see him as a potential icon for years to come.
As the fight world’s attention shifts to Las Vegas for the Canelo-Crawford super-fight, Topuria’s star continues to rise. Whether he’s trading barbs with boxing’s elite, contemplating a political future, or negotiating his next Octagon appearance, "El Matador" remains impossible to ignore. The coming months promise more twists and turns, both for Topuria and the ever-evolving landscape of combat sports. For now, all eyes are on the bright lights of Vegas and the next move of MMA’s most intriguing champion.
