Conor McGregor needs to 'die and be born again,' says Ilia Topuria on JRE

Express Tribune

17-04-2025

Ilia Topuria has launched a scathing critique of Conor McGregor's lifestyle, claiming the former champion's path back to the UFC is all but closed unless he radically changes his life. Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience, both Rogan and Topuria expressed serious doubts over whether 'The Notorious' will ever fight again.
UFC featherweight-turned-lightweight Ilia Topuria did not hold back when asked about the future of Conor McGregor. Appearing on Joe Rogan's podcast, Topuria and the veteran UFC commentator shared concerns about McGregor's prolonged absence from the Octagon and his off-the-cage lifestyle.
'If I had a bet, no,' said Rogan when asked about a possible return. 'If he really wanted to, he would have been back in the gym, had a fight scheduled, drug tested, clean, training, gone through a camp, had a fight.'
McGregor's last scheduled bout, against Michael Chandler at UFC 303, fell through reportedly due to a broken toe. Rogan acknowledged the injury but questioned the Irishman's follow-through.
'Heal that toe. It's two months. But he didn't,' Rogan said. 'Constant partying. All these legal problems. Scooting around on yachts, driving Lamborghinis. He's wealthy.'
Topuria added a blunt assessment of McGregor's current condition. 'His toe is f*****, his chin is f*****, his body is f*****,' he said.
'With that much parties and drugs and all that, you're gonna have to pay that price at some point… You are paying the price with your health which is the dumbest thing you can do in your entire life," said Topuria.
Topuria, undefeated and fresh off a move to the lightweight division, has his eyes set on a title bout against Islam Makhachev. While comparisons to a younger McGregor persist, the Georgian-Spanish fighter made one thing clear: he considers his discipline and focus far superior.
When discussing a potential matchup with McGregor, Topuria made one of the most biting remarks yet. 'It depends on who he is gonna face. Because if you put him against me, he needs to die and be born again.'
While McGregor's name still draws headlines, figures like Rogan and Topuria now see his once-inevitable comeback as increasingly unlikely — unless he radically transforms both his health and commitment to fighting.