Ilia Topuria's Political Ambitions

Ilia Topuria is looking to take a page out of Conor McGregor’s book, as he has not ruled out the idea of running for President.

The newly crowned lightweight champion, who moved up in weight after vacating his featherweight title, is coming off a first-round KO win against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 which made him a two-weight champion. Topuria and McGregor have fired verbal shots at each other on social media, with Conor saying he’d slap his nose off, with Ilia warning there would be a funeral if they saw each other.

McGregor has not had a UFC bout since July 2021 at UFC 264 where he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier. While he has two fights left on his UFC deal, he has declared his intention to run for President of Ireland, speaking out against illegal immigration. McGregor has received Elon Musk’s endorsement, although the Irishman has yet to secure his name on the ballot. Topuria, though, could follow a similar path. 

"The truth is that at this point in my life, I’ve never thought about it, but if the people need it, then of course I would," Topuria said

The Reality

Topuria’s career and persona suggest he possesses several key qualities that could make him a compelling and even successful political figure. One of Topuria’s most significant advantages is his immense popularity. In Georgia, his native country, he was awarded the Order of Honor by the President, a testament to his impact beyond sports.

Much like McGregor, who commands a massive following on social media and can mobilize his fan base, Topuria could leverage his status. His success story—an immigrant from Georgia who became a champion in Spain—resonates with a diverse audience. Topuria has proven himself to be a master of promotion, a skill set that is essential in modern politics.

His verbal sparring with Conor McGregor on social media is a prime example. From McGregor’s threat to "slap his nose off" to Topuria’s chilling response about a "funeral," these exchanges are a demonstration of his ability to generate headlines.

Ilia Topuria, like Conor McGregor, represents the "outsider" candidate. He is not a career politician and, therefore, is not tied to the traditional political establishment. This could allow him to present himself as a fresh voice, a "man of the people."

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