From the Octagon to the Boxing Ring

Topuria, who recently knocked out Charles Oliveira to claim his second UFC title, is enjoying the peak of his career. With notable victories over Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, the Spanish-Georgian fighter has become one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts. But he's now aiming for more, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Conor McGregor, who crossed over to box Floyd Mayweather Jr. back in 2017.

“I want to fight the winner of Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford, but if I had a choice, I’d pick Canelo. He’s been my idol for many years, and I truly believe I can do it,” said Topuria in a recent interview. The highly anticipated bout between Canelo and Crawford is scheduled for September 13 in Las Vegas, and Topuria is already picking the Mexican to win.

Canelo Responds With Respect, but Focuses on Crawford

While Canelo Álvarez didn’t completely rule out a future showdown with Topuria, he made it clear that his current focus is on Crawford. “I haven’t watched a full fight of his, but he seems like a good guy. I respect and admire him. We’ll see. One step at a time,” said Canelo during a press conference promoting his next fight.

Having previously turned down an exhibition against YouTuber Jake Paul, Canelo remains cautious about crossover events that prioritize spectacle over sport. Still, Topuria insists his challenge is serious. “Now’s the time. Let’s make it happen,” he declared, even calling on promoter Turki Alalshikh to help set up the match.

There’s no official negotiation yet, but the buzz is building. If Canelo emerges victorious against Crawford, a clash with Ilia Topuria could become the latest chapter in the ongoing trend of MMA stars stepping into the boxing world. For Topuria, this isn’t about publicity—it’s about proving he can shine on any stage. The ball is now in Canelo’s court. Will he accept the challenge? Only time will tell.