Ilia Topuria no longer interested in Conor McGregor fight, says he has lost respect for childhood idol: "Represents alcohol and drugs more than sport"
Ilia Topuria recently lambasted Conor McGregor on episode #4 of El Reto de MrBeast, hosted by Spanish internet celebrity Ibai. According to the reigning UFC featherweight champion, who previously idolized the Irishman, McGregor is no longer the same fighter he once was.
As a result of the Irishman's decline, Topuria feels that a potential fight matchup between the two has lost its luster. He even claimed that 'The Notorious' does not represent the pinnacle of MMA achievement. Instead, he now represents a descent into substance abuse.
"I know it's [the fight] not what it once was. He is not that McGregor who moved the masses. He is a McGregor who represents alcohol and drugs more than sport."
When asked by Ibai if McGregor's downward spiral has made him lose respect for a man he once idolized, the 145-pounder didn't hold back.
"100%. I have been inspired by Conor. I admired him when I was little. I and many people I know wanted to follow in his footsteps because he was an example of faith, that everything can be accomplished through hard work, perseverance, and effort. He has lost it because he has betrayed the values that led him here. An idol has left us."
Check out Ilia Topuria's criticisms of Conor McGregor below (13:11):
After dethroning Alexander Volkanovski with an emphatic knockout at UFC 298, 'El Matador' highlighted McGregor as an ideal opponent for his first title defense. However, given the Irishman's poor 1-3 run of form in his last four fights, many questioned the callout.
Now, however, the Spaniard is set to defend his title for the first time at UFC 308 against another former 145-pound champion in Max Holloway.
Ilia Topuria's previous admiration for Conor McGregor has been evident
Ahead of his UFC 298 featherweight title fight with then 145-pound kingpin Alexander Volkanovski, Ilia Topuria did his best to emulate Conor McGregor. Perhaps in the most clear-cut moment, the Spaniard snatched Volkanovski's championship belt, much like the Irishman did with José Aldo.
He then posed with the belt in a personal photoshoot, which Topuria also did. Unfortunately for Volkanovski, the Spaniard proved himself confident, not arrogant, by knocking him out in round two.