Kamaru Usman suggests UFC book massive Ilia Topuria vs. Conor McGregor bout in Spain stadium next: "Send him to the moon right now"
Kamaru Usman recently shared his thoughts on Ilia Topuria's impressive knockout win over Max Holloway and suggested that the UFC take full advantage of his star power. He noted that 'El Matador' has surged in popularity and believes it's the perfect moment for the promotion to book him against Conor McGregor next.
The reigning featherweight champion earned his first title defense, which was significant as he knocked out two of the greatest 145-pounders of all-time in the same calendar year. Following UFC 308, Dana White confirmed that the promotion is working hard to secure a date and venue for Spain, and unsurprisingly said Topuria would certainly headline that event.
During the latest episode of Pound 4 Pound, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' told co-host Henry Cejudo that instead of giving the next contender in line a title shot, the UFC should consider booking the biggest fight possible for 'El Matador'.
Usman mentioned that the promotion should push Topuria to greater heights by booking him in a lightweight bout against McGregor to headline the first event in Spain at a stadium:
"[Topuria] is delivering. He comes off [brash and overconfident] but that's all the recipe of what you need of a disruptor, of a star. So to send him to the moon right now, why not give him Conor at [155 pounds]? ... Why not give him Conor? ... A stadium in Spain. He becomes the next Conor McGregor." [15:30]
Check out the full episode featuring Kamaru Usman's comments regarding Ilia Topuria below:
Henry Cejudo makes case for Ilia Topuria as 2024 MMA fighter of the Year
In addition to Kamaru Usman's suggestion, Henry Cejudo made a strong case for Ilia Topuria to be the 2024 MMA fighter of the Year over Alex Pereira.
During the aforementioned episode, Cejudo mentioned that he believes the quality of Topuria's opponents have been much stronger than Pereira's, and the manner in which he finished them was more impressive:
"It's quality versus quantity. The quality of who Ilia beat, first ballot Hall of Famers, to the quantity of Alex Pereira beating Khalil Rountree...Jamahal Hill...and a guy like Jiri Prochazka who he already beat...I just want to make sure that [Topuria] gets respect." [8:23]
Check out Ilia Topuria's post fight interview from UFC 308 below: