Conor McGregor speaks out on Ilia Topuria comparisons after White House card defeat

Conor McGregor has publicly addressed UFC fans comparing him to Ilia Topuria just days after the latter's defeat at UFC Freedom 250.

Topuria came into the White House event as UFC lightweight champion but could not deal with the ferocity and intensity of Justin Gaethje, who pummelled the Spanish-Georgian throughout the contest before he failed to rise from his stool ahead of the fifth round.

Shortly after the fight, images of a bloodied and bruised Topuria surfaced online, but that did not stop long-time rival Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett from mocking him on social media.

Now, just two days on from the White House card, UFC icon McGregor has revealed his honest opinion on Topuria during a wide-ranging interview with combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani.

Among the topics of discussion was McGregor's UFC contract, with the Irishman revealing that he has a fight booked for April 2027 following his comeback bout against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 12, 2026.

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Helwani also asked McGregor what he made of the comparisons between himself and Topuria. The pair share similar personalities, make outlandish pre-fight predictions and both have distinctive chest tattoos, not to mention their explosive fighting styles.

McGregor said: "No way? He has the same tattoos. He says the same stuff. He does the same fucking movements. He was going to scream on the [scales]... He's alright. I like him, maybe."

McGregor 'knew' Topuria would lose against Gaethje

In typical McGregor fashion, he then claimed he knew Topuria was going to lose to Gaethje despite the fighter entering the bout unbeaten in 17 professional contests.

The Irishman added: "I knew that was going to happen to him. I've seen the training... You need to have it put on you in the gym. He's a bit flat-footed. He has his areas. He's not fully complete, but he's good, and he can make inroads. His face will have to heal, for sure. I'd say his face is smashed up. He got banged up badly over the course of the fight, which caused him to quit. It's going to be a dark place for him right now. He's going to have to dig deep. Can he do it?

"I think he could. There'll be motivation to do it, and I wish him well."

The 37-year-old then turned his attention to the new lightweight champion, Gaethje, and welcomed the prospect of a fight with the American.

"When Gaethje is on, he's good. He's okay, but when he's off, he's atrocious. I fancy him, handily. I fancy teeing off on Gaethje."

McGregor finished by saying he is open to a potential bout with current welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.