UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and boxer Ryan Garcia have ignited a heated online back-and-forth, trading insults over a potential boxing match while both men have other fights on the books.
Topuria, who is scheduled to defend his UFC title in the main event of the UFC White House card in June, has publicly expressed interest in moving to boxing and specifically mentioned Garcia as a potential opponent. Garcia, meanwhile, has announced a boxing match against Zuffa Boxing’s Conor Benn on September 12.
The exchange quickly turned personal. Garcia told Topuria, "You are a damn good striker for MMA that’s it" and warned, "You wouldn’t be sipping on tea after our fight you would be eating through a straw after our fight. Stay in your lane. I’ll gladly stay in mine." He added, "I built my name sleeping guys that are way better boxers then you will ever be" and claimed, "You’ve seen many MMA fighters try and you’ll just be another UFC hype job cashing out by getting knocked out by a boxer."
Topuria fired back, "You built your name on hype" and countered, "I built my by putting legends to sleep. I would give you a boxing lesson. We are not on the same level. Bring the guy that you fight in September. I would beat both o you in the same ring." He also referenced Garcia’s recent controversy, saying, "The biggest win of your career came with steroids" and, "So that’s where your confidence comes from? Interesting."
Garcia’s win over Devin Haney was changed to a no-contest after he tested positive for Ostarine and received a one-year suspension from the New York State Athletic Commission. Further details about his September 12 matchup against Conor Benn have not yet been revealed. As long as Topuria remains under UFC contract, he is expected to continue competing in MMA.
