McGregor and Topuria Traded Challenges Around BKFC’s Spain
Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria exchanged public challenges on July 18, 2024, as McGregor promoted BKFC’s planned event in Marbella. Their remarks concerned a hypothetical confrontation and drew attention to Topuria’s status as UFC featherweight champion.
McGregor discussed a bare-knuckle crossover
Speaking at the Spanish media event, McGregor said Topuria’s boxing-oriented style could translate to bare-knuckle competition. He nevertheless argued that his own size would give him the advantage in a meeting between them.
McGregor, a BKFC co-owner, was promoting the organization’s arrival in Spain. Europa Press reported that the October 12 card was scheduled to feature Franco Tenaglia against Tony Soto in Marbella.
Topuria answered on social media
Topuria responded through X, welcoming McGregor to Spain and inviting him to Madrid to test the boast. The response continued a public rivalry between the reigning featherweight champion and a former holder of the same UFC title.
The exchange supplied publicity and competing claims of superiority. It did not announce agreed rules, a weight class, an event date or a signed fight between McGregor and Topuria.
A championship win underpinned the attention
Topuria had defeated Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 on February 17, 2024. His right-hand knockout came at 3:32 of the second round at Honda Center in Anaheim.
That victory established his featherweight championship position before the July remarks. The Marbella discussion connected his rising profile with McGregor’s promotional appearance, while the completed UFC title result remained distinct from their proposed crossover confrontation.
Sources
- Europa Press: July 18 media appearance and Marbella card
- Sports Illustrated: crossover remarks and Topuria’s response
- UFC: Topuria’s title-winning knockout
