Topuria challenges Ryan Garcia in boxing. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/iliatopuria
The possibility of seeing Ilia Topuria The idea of swapping the octagon for the boxing ring has gained momentum again this week. The current UFC lightweight champion (70,3 kg) and one of the most popular names in world MMA, the fighter publicly commented on a possible duel against boxing star Ryan Garcia. The statement quickly resonated on social media and generated a sharp response from the boxer.
In an interview with the American TV network ABC, Topuria stated that he would like to face Garcia in a super fight involving both disciplines. The UFC champion expressed confidence when speaking about the possible confrontation and downplayed the risks of facing a boxing specialist.
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"It would be a great fight. I would love it, and besides, I think a fight against Ryan Garcia would be very comfortable for me," the fighter declared.
The American's response came shortly after, via X, formerly Twitter. Known for his provocative style outside the ring, Garcia retorted aggressively to the UFC lightweight champion, questioning the Georgian's striking level compared to the top names in world boxing.
"You're a great striker in MMA, that's all. After our fight, you wouldn't be drinking tea, you'd be eating with a straw. Mind your own business. I'll mind mine, with pleasure," Ryan wrote.
Topuria responded to the boxer on X: “You built your name on hype. I built mine by putting legends to sleep. I'd give you a boxing lesson. We're not on the same level. Bring the guy you're going to fight in September. I'd beat you both in the same ring,” he fired back.
What are the chances of the fight between Ilia Topuria and Ryan Garcia happening?
Despite the exchange of taunts exciting fans on social media, a potential fight between the athletes still seems distant. Currently, Topuria has an exclusive contract with the UFC, an organization presided over by Dana White, which historically makes it difficult to release its champions for competitions in other sports. Even so, the scenario has changed in recent years after events involving names like... Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather Jr., who starred in one of the most lucrative fights in the history of combat sports.
This is not, in fact, the first time Topuria has shown interest in temporarily transitioning to professional boxing. Before the highly anticipated fight between Canelo Alvarez placeholder image and Terence Crawford, In September 2025, the UFC champion had already mentioned Crawford in interviews and suggested an interest in facing him in the future. At the time, the statement was seen more as a demonstration of ambition and confidence than a concrete negotiation.
Next challenges for Ilia Topuria and Ryan Garcia
Undefeated in professional MMA, Topuria will headline the UFC event at the White House against Justin gaethjeOn June 14th, the champion is experiencing the best moment of his career after winning the featherweight title and subsequently moving up to the lightweight division in the UFC. Known for his knockout power and aggressive style, the fighter frequently states that he believes his striking can compete with elite boxers worldwide.
On the other side, Ryan Garcia remains one of the most media-savvy figures in the sport. In February, he won the WBC belt in a victory against Mario Barros. Ryan Garcia will face Conor Benn in his first title defense. Despite alternating between highs and lows in his career, and the controversies, the American maintains enormous popularity and usually generates millions of views whenever he gets involved in public rivalries.
Read More about: boxing, Ilia Topuria, Ryan Garcia
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