UFC’s Ilia Topuria Calls Out Canelo/Crawford Winner – Another Superfight Brewing?

It’s been seven years since Conor McGregor made combat sports history by stepping out of the Octagon and into the boxing ring with Floyd Mayweather. That fight wasn’t just a global spectacle—it was a financial juggernaut. And now, UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is looking to follow in McGregor’s million-dollar footsteps.

The undefeated 17–0 Topuria has set his sights on the winner of the upcoming Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford superfight on September 13. While most fighters dream of just getting into UFC title contention, Topuria wants to leap into boxing’s most elite spotlight—and he’s not being quiet about it.

“I would love to go against the winner of Canelo and Crawford—Canelo, because he was my idol,” Topuria told the Nelk Boys. “There’s always respect for everyone… but I have to try. Why not? I feel like I can do it.”

🥊 The Money Fight Blueprint: Reloaded?

Topuria’s ambitions echo that of McGregor’s historic move in 2017, when the Irishman cashed in on crossover hype to fight the undefeated Mayweather in a box-office smash. That bout may have ended with a loss on McGregor’s record, but it won him generational wealth and global notoriety.

Now, Topuria—a fighter known for clean footwork, fast hands, and terrifying knockout power—is plotting a similar course. At just 27, he’s a wrecking ball in MMA, boasting 15 finishes in 17 fights. His confidence in crossing over into boxing isn’t just promotional talk—it’s backed by results.

🧡 Mutual Respect Between Topuria and Canelo

Canelo Alvarez, when asked about Topuria during a recent press tour stop in Las Vegas, responded with humility and admiration:

“I really love him and respect him a lot,” Canelo said. “It’s awesome to see fighters like me. I have gratitude for fighters that take a little bit of my fighting and respect it.”

But the Mexican icon—currently preparing for his own legacy-defining fight against Terence Crawford—added that any potential showdown with Topuria would have to wait.

“First things first—let’s worry about this [fight] now.”

🧠 MainEvent.News | Backstage Take:

"Topuria vs. Canelo might seem like fantasy matchmaking now—but so did Mayweather vs. McGregor once upon a time. Ilia’s got the swagger, skill, and storyline. And if he keeps winning—and keeps talking—it’s only a matter of time before the boxing world takes him seriously. Summer 2024 gave us Crawford vs. Spence. This fall brings Canelo vs. Crawford. But 2026? We just might be looking at the next MMA vs. Boxing collision. Stay ready."

📆 Canelo vs. Crawford — Sept. 13, 2025
📍 T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
📺 Live on PPV