Ilia Topuria has long expressed interest in transitioning into professional boxing alongside his UFC ambitions. The Spanish UFC champion is widely regarded as one of the best boxers in MMA. He has also showcased exceptional knockout power and striking confidence throughout his UFC run.
Topuria is currently engaged in a heated rivalry with boxing star Ryan Garcia, which has spilled over into sports talk.
The rivalry began while Topuria handled media duties ahead of his inaugural title defense at UFC Freedom 250 against Justin Gaethje. The lightweight champion recently spoke with MMA insider Alvaro Colmenero about his ambitions to transition into boxing after establishing himself inside the UFC. During the discussion, Topuria confidently claimed he would defeat Garcia and stop him before a decision.
Garcia quickly responded after Topuria's interview gained traction online, dismissing the UFC champion's chances inside a boxing ring. The boxing star warned Topuria to remain in mixed martial arts, claiming that boxing would expose major differences in striking ability and professional experience. The rivalry later escalated further when Topuria mocked Garcia over his prior positive PED test.
You tested positive and still talk about 'flatlining' people. That confidence is artificial. The world already saw what you needed to win.
Ilia Topuria via XGarcia's steroid controversy emerged following his boxing match against Devin Haney in April 2024. 'King Ry' secured a decision victory after scoring multiple knockdowns during the welterweight contest at the Barclays Center. However, controversy erupted after Garcia later tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine following post-fight testing. The fight's official result was eventually overturned to a no-contest.
This was not the first time Garcia became involved in a public feud with a prominent mixed martial arts fighter. Garcia previously traded shots with Sean O'Malley over a potential crossover fight between boxing and MMA. Their rivalry escalated after Garcia called out O'Malley for an MMA bout while also discussing a boxing matchup. 'Suga' later responded by dismissing Garcia's chances inside the octagon.
Despite the ongoing tension, Ryan Garcia is currently focused on his upcoming matchup against Conor Benn, scheduled for September 12. Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria remains busy preparing for the UFC Freedom 250 event and his title defense against Justin Gaethje. However, it remains unclear whether their rivalry will eventually fade or continue to escalate, potentially resulting in a crossover superfight.
Ilia Topuria's confidence and aggressive trash talk have frequently placed him at odds with fighters from multiple combat sports disciplines. This has recently been evident through the ongoing rivalry between the UFC lightweight champion and boxing star Ryan Garcia. However, 'El Matador' has also remained involved in a heated feud with popular boxing personality Jake Paul in recent months.
The feud escalated during an appearance on Adin Ross' livestream, where Topuria heavily criticized Paul's boxing ability and overall resume. Paul later responded by mocking Topuria's size and dismissing his chances inside a professional boxing ring. The YouTuber-turned-boxer has now also weighed in on Topuria's ongoing rivalry with Ryan Garcia and backed the 27-year-old boxer to win comfortably.
Ryan would sleep topperia in 1-2 rounds.
Jake Paul via XRyan would sleep topperia in 1-2 rounds.
Jake Paul's support for Ryan Garcia also stems from their long-standing friendship within the boxing and entertainment communities. While the two fighters have exchanged minor verbal jabs in the past, their relationship has largely remained respectful publicly. Paul and Garcia have consistently appeared cordial toward each other during interviews, events, and several high-profile public meetings together.
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