Ilia Topuria could surpass Conor McGregor in a potential MMA-to-boxing crossover, according to Plinio Cruz, coach of UFC star Alex Pereira.
What happened
Plinio Cruz recently praised Ilia Topuria, suggesting he could make a greater impact in crossover boxing than Conor McGregor did. Speaking on the Cortes do Connect Cast, Cruz noted Topuria’s boxing skills and likened his power to that of Canelo Alvarez. He remarked, “I think what Conor did in the boxing ring, Topuria can do even better.”
Cruz, who has trained alongside Topuria, mentioned that the MMA star demonstrated an elite boxing style in their training sessions. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by the high skill level in the lighter weight classes, hinting at Topuria’s need to overcome experience-related skill differences.
Why it matters
The conversation around Topuria’s potential in boxing reflects a growing interest in MMA fighters making the switch to boxing. As the combat sports landscape evolves, Topuria’s success could embolden other fighters to explore similar paths. The stakes are high, as this crossover could influence how fighters are marketed and where their skills are best showcased.
Background
On August 26, 2017, Conor McGregor faced Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a boxing ring, marking one of the most highly publicized MMA-to-boxing transitions. McGregor initially held his own but lost via 10th-round TKO. Since then, other fighters have expressed interest in making similar moves.
On March 5, 2026, Topuria openly discussed his interest in boxing during a conversation with Victor Fontanez. Even though his UFC contract may limit his immediate options, there remains a possibility he could compete under the Zuffa Boxing banner.
What’s next
Ilia Topuria is scheduled to fight Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026. This match will determine the undisputed UFC lightweight champion and could shape Topuria’s future in boxing.
