Conor McGregor’s return to the Octagon against Max Holloway in Las Vegas this weekend is a five-year hiatus finally ending. The real story, however, is already shifting to what comes after.
The name Ilia Topuria is unavoidable.
Fans and analysts question whether McGregor will ever face the surging featherweight champion. Topuria’s rapid rise and McGregor’s selective fight choices create a tension that demands resolution.
The matchup is inevitable. It is also the most lucrative and legacy-defining fight the UFC can make.
The Context: McGregor’s Return and the Holloway Fight
McGregor vs. Holloway in Las Vegas carries significant stakes. The Irishman’s long layoff—nearly three years since his last bout—raises questions about his performance and future plans.
Expectations are high. Fan reactions and early speculation already center on who McGregor might face next.
Topuria is the name on everyone’s lips.
Will Conor McGregor fight Ilia Topuria after Max Holloway?
Topuria’s meteoric rise is a matter of record. The undefeated fighter (15-0) has dominated Alexander Volkanovski and Josh Emmett. His callouts of McGregor are relentless, and fan demand for the matchup is growing.
Stylistically, Topuria presents a unique challenge. His wrestling, power, and pressure could disrupt McGregor’s counter-striking rhythm. Narratively, a young, undefeated champion chasing a legend is a story that sells itself.
McGregor’s Conditions and Doubts
McGregor has already expressed doubts about his next opponent after Holloway, per the Irish Star. He has set a condition for a potential fight with Shavkat Rakhmonov, as reported by LowKickMMA. This reflects his selective approach to matchmaking.
McGregor tends to cherry-pick fights. Topuria, however, disrupts that pattern. He is a threat, not a tune-up.
| Fighter | Record | Last Win | McGregor’s Stated Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ilia Topuria | 15-0 | Volkanovski (KO) | None publicly given |
| Shavkat Rakhmonov | 18-0 | Stephen Thompson (SUB) | Catchweight of 165 lbs |
| Max Holloway | 25-7 | Justin Gaethje (KO) | N/A (current opponent) |
Why the Topuria vs McGregor Fight Is Inevitable
Financial incentives are overwhelming. A McGregor-Topuria fight would likely break pay-per-view records. It pits the Irish fanbase against the Spanish and Georgian audiences Topuria attracts.
Legacy is the other driver. For McGregor, a win at featherweight or lightweight would reclaim relevance. For Topuria, it would be a global star-making moment.
The UFC’s matchmaking strategy positions both fighters for a blockbuster. Timeline and weight class—featherweight, lightweight, or catchweight—are negotiable.
Potential Obstacles and Counterarguments
McGregor’s injury history and potential retirement talk are real. Topuria has current commitments, including potential defenses against Holloway or others.
The possibility of McGregor choosing a different opponent—Rakhmonov or a trilogy with Nate Diaz—cannot be dismissed. But the math favors Topuria.
While McGregor’s immediate focus is on Holloway, the stars are aligning. Fans should watch closely for his post-fight interview and social media hints. The inevitable announcement could come sooner than expected.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Will Conor McGregor fight Ilia Topuria after Max Holloway?
- A: While McGregor has expressed doubts about his next opponent, many analysts believe a matchup with Ilia Topuria is inevitable. Topuria’s undefeated record, relentless callouts, and fan demand make this the most lucrative and legacy-defining fight the UFC can make.
Extended Reading
Sources for this report include the Irish Star’s coverage of McGregor’s doubts over his next opponent (irishstar.com) and LowKickMMA’s report on his condition for a Rakhmonov fight (lowkickmma.com). The AS USA piece (en.as.com) provided context on the Topuria vs. McGregor question post-Holloway.