UFC champion sets his sights on boxing

Ilia Topuria knows no limits. The current undefeated UFC champion set social media alight with a rather heated statement: he claimed that if he faced Terence Crawford in a boxing ring, he would knock him out with the first punch.

The comment is no coincidence. In the run-up to the highly anticipated fight between Canelo Álvarez and Crawford, Topuria decided to raise his hand and make it clear that he also wants to make his way in professional boxing.

The message that shook social media

Through X, Topuria first posted a photo greeting Crawford and asked his followers who would win in a hypothetical duel. Shortly after, he doubled down with an even more forceful message, claiming he could knock Crawford out in the ring.

Reactions were swift. Some applauded his confidence, pointing out that most of his UFC victories have been by knockout. Others, however, considered his statement an exaggeration in the face of one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in history.

The new McGregor?

Topuria's move inevitably brings to mind Conor McGregor, who crossed over to boxing in 2017 to face Floyd Mayweather in one of the highest-grossing fights in history. Now, many see Topuria as the Irishman's natural heir, not only because of his aggressive style, but also because of his charisma and ability to generate headlines.

The difference is that Topuria has already expressed his dream of fighting Canelo Alvarez, whom he has considered an idol since childhood. He has even confessed in interviews that he would like to face the winner of the Canelo vs. Crawford bout.

A controversial challenge

Boxing and MMA have similarities, but also huge differences. Crawford has built his legacy on technique, patience, and intelligence in the ring. Topuria, on the other hand, has earned his reputation with devastating power and a killer instinct in the cage.

The big question is whether that brute force could really translate to boxing. History shows that it's not that simple: McGregor tried it and ended up being dominated by Mayweather. Would Topuria suffer the same fate or manage to break down the barrier between the two disciplines?

A future full of noise and expectations

Regardless of whether the fight takes place, Topuria's move is clear: to gain global prominence at a time when the spotlight is on Canelo and Crawford. His statement, “I'll knock him out on first contact,” has already secured him a place in the conversation.

And if one thing is clear, it's that Topuria knows how to manage the narrative: he is convinced that his destiny is not limited to the UFC... he also wants to conquer boxing.