Conor McGregor defends Ilia Topuria after UFC Freedom 250 defeat
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 5:13 PM
Last updated Jun 15, 2026
Ilia Topuria suffered his first career loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 last Sunday night, losing both his unbeaten record and lineal lightweight title. In the aftermath, Terence Crawford mocked Topuria's previous bravado on social media. Conor McGregor responded by criticizing Crawford for his comments, defending Topuria despite their less-than-close relationship. McGregor's support highlights the connection between the two fighters, both notable for their confidence and fighting styles.
- •Topuria lost to Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on June 11, 2026.
- •Crawford taunted Topuria following his defeat.
- •McGregor criticized Crawford's remarks in a social media response.
- •The support from McGregor may bolster Topuria's resilience.
- 2:19 PMYahoo Sports — Conor McGregor and Terence Crawford clash over Ilia Topuria: ‘You don’t have the courage’
- 5:13 PMYahoo Sports — Conor McGregor fires back at Terence Crawford over Ilia Topuria taunt after UFC shocker
"Ilia Topuria’s defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 last Sunday night was a genuine shock. The Spaniard was younger, unbeaten and a heavy favourite, but he lost both his perfect professional record and his lineal lightweight title.
"Crawford mocked a beaten Topuria, who previously expressed a desire to fight the boxer – and now McGregor has waded in with his own claim
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 2:19 PMConor McGregor and Terence Crawford clash over Ilia Topuria: ‘You don’t have the courage’
Crawford mocked a beaten Topuria, who previously expressed a desire to fight the boxer – and now McGregor has waded in with his own claim
- Yahoo SportsJun 15, 2026, 5:13 PMConor McGregor fires back at Terence Crawford over Ilia Topuria taunt after UFC shocker
Ilia Topuria’s defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 last Sunday night was a genuine shock. The Spaniard was younger, unbeaten and a heavy favourite, but he lost both his perfect professional record and his lineal lightweight title.
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