Tyron Woodley made a bold claim regarding the trajectory of Ilia Topuria’s popularity. He made a clear call that Topuria will become a bigger star than McGregor. ‘The Chosen One’ said there is already proof that this is becoming a reality.
Topuria has built a strong reputation in sport, especially after his latest fights. ‘El Matador’ knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to capture the featherweight championship. In his first title defense, he knocked out Max Holloway. After that, he vacated the title and moved up to 155 pounds.
‘El Matador’ joined the list of two-division UFC champions after he knocked out Charles Oliveira to win the vacant lightweight championship. Topuria’s quick rise to two-division champion has brought new opportunities outside of the octagon. It also grew his fan base.
McGregor, meanwhile, is considered the biggest star in MMA history. The Irishman set pay-per-view and gate records for the promotion on his way to becoming a two-division champion.
Tyron Woodley Explains How Ilia Topuria Will Surpass Conor McGregor’s Popularity
Tyron Woodley explained how he believes Ilia Topuria will surpass Conor McGregor in popularity. The former welterweight champion pointed to Topuria’s ventures outside the octagon and recent partnerships as key reasons.
Woodley stated that Topuria is easier and safer to market than McGregor. The reigning lightweight champion speaks two languages and is not known for being controversial with how he conducts himself.
“I think [Ilia] Topuria will become bigger than Conor [McGregor] He made a deal with Richard Mille, he partnered with Cristiano Ronaldo, he got Spain on lockdown, and now he’s beating all our legends, our GOATs, our BMFs, our champions,” Woodley told TalkSPORT BET. “He’s walking through everybody and telling us he’s gonna do it before he does it. Then he does it. He doesn’t talk much, doesn’t dispute much, even his personal issues he kept quiet.”
Woodley added: “He’s clean, got suits on, training hard, and he’s a no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point person who speaks perfect English and perfect Spanish. He’s the biggest star.”
Woodley Predicts Dominant Lightweight Title Defense for Topuria
Woodley also gave his pick for that Topuria’s next fight. He said ‘El Matador’ will successfully retain his lightweight title in dominant fashion.
Topuria is set to face Justin Gaethje in a lightweight title unification bout at UFC Freedom 250.
The event will be headlined by Topuria vs. Gaethje, which takes place at the White House on Jun. 14. It is expected to draw a broader audience. That could boost ‘El Matador’s fame even more.
Another spectacular knockout win would also add to that rise in popularity. Woodley pointed to Gaethje’s fighting style as the main reason.
“I say it’s a second round fight. [Justin] Gaethje’s very tough but he’s just been hit too much, man. His fight style is just to come and brawl. We forget that he’s a all-American wrestler,” Woodley told TalkSPORT BET. “When is he ever gonna use wrestling? There’s been a lot of fights where he should have utilized wrestling. He hasn’t and he’s not, he can but he won’t.”
Tyron Woodley: Ilia Topuria Will Become a Bigger Star Than Conor McGregor