“Alibaba version of McGregor”: UFC star takes aim at champ
Irish UFC fighter Conor McGregor was name-checked in a series of social-media posts sent from one UFC star to another.
Ilia Topuria (17-0-0) remains undefeated and holds the UFC lightweight title, but the identity of his first challenger is still up in the air. The bout is expected to take place later this year, yet no official opponent has been confirmed. Several names are in the mix - Paddy Pimblett, Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan among them.
Tsarukyan, currently ranked No. 2 in the lightweight division, seems increasingly unlikely to get the nod. The UFC brass reportedly has reservations about him, especially after he pulled out of a title fight just a day before the event back in January.
And from Topuria’s side, there doesn’t appear to be much enthusiasm for the matchup either. All signs point to Tsarukyan needing another win - or two - before he gets another shot at gold.
That hasn’t stopped the Armenian contender from doing everything he can to provoke the champ. For weeks, Tsarukyan has been taking shots at Topuria on social media, and in the last couple of days, he’s doubled down.
Tsarukyan taunts Topuria
On X, Tsarukyan referenced former lightweight champ Islam Makhachev, who is reportedly moving up to welterweight to face Jack Della Maddalena in New York. Tsarukyan used the opportunity to take a jab at Topuria’s perceived lack of grit: “Islam has a great quote at the UFC PI, he will fight anybody, anytime, and anywhere - Hey Dana maybe now’s a good time to put a quote in the bathroom for Ilia reminding him not to sit down while pissing - thanks boss”.
Later, Tsarukyan switched platforms and took another swing - this time on Instagram - by comparing Topuria to the Irish fighter Conor McGregor. “Who wants to let him know he look like the Alibaba version of McGregor,” the Armenian wrote.
The post highlighted the similarities in their tattoos and cocky personas - traits that helped make McGregor a global icon.
It’s no secret that McGregor was once a major influence on Topuria, who has even said in past interviews that he’d love to fight the Irishman. But over time, that admiration has cooled, especially in light of McGregor’s increasingly controversial personal life.
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