Conor McGregor lashes out at Terence Crawford in tirade after Ilia Topuria UFC White House loss

Jun 15, 2026 - 11:30

Conor McGregor came to the defence of Ilia Topuria after boxer Terence Crawford tried to rub salt into his deep wounds.

UFC superstar Topuria has challenged Crawford to a boxing match on several occasions in the past, with the pair going back and forth on social media.

Ilia Topuria being struck by Justin Gaethje — Topuria, who was injured and forced to retire, also took a verbal beating from Crawford

The UFC octagon on the White House south lawn — Topuria and Gaethje headlined a historic event on the south lawn, which the American won in front of his home crowd

Crawford, who is now retired from boxing, has regularly suggested ‘El Matador’ wouldn’t have a chance against him in the squared circle.

Topuria stepped into the cage again for his latest MMA appearance against Justin Gaethje, in a defence of his lightweight title on the UFC White House bill.

And he made the headlines for the wrong reasons, as he was left battered and bruised.

The champion had his title snatched after an epic display from Gaethje, with Topuria losing for the first time in his career.

And Crawford was quick to mock the defeated warrior on social media just moments after the result was announced.

He wrote: “This the guy that said he would knock me out and whoop me and Shakur [Stevenson] at the same time?”

The MMA and boxing debate then rumbled on in the comments, as many suggested Topuria would still beat Crawford in any combat.

McGregor furiously reacts, slams Crawford

One of those was UFC superstar McGregor, who was quick to tear into the American legend.

He suggested that ‘Bud’ was too afraid to ever step into the cage, with a boxer rarely ever taking the leap across the pond to MMA.

The Irishman replied in a wild tirade: “What the f**k are you saying?

Conor McGregor speaks at a press conference after BKFC 70 Hollywood — McGregor took aim at Crawford, slamming him for his decision not to fight in MMA and take on Topuria

“You can wrestle, yet you are afraid of an MMA fight. That to me is pitiful.

“The kid was beaten in an MMA fight, of which you don’t have the courage for.

“What the f**k was with all these little boxers at this show yet no MMA fighters? #TheseBoysAintManEnough.”

Crawford does have a wrestling background, but has never considered a move to MMA.

It has traditionally become accustomed that UFC fighters cross over to boxing, with the view to earning more lucrative paydays.

McGregor himself did exactly that, losing to Floyd Mayweather in a blockbuster match in 2017.

Ilia Topuria walking through the oval office — Topuria walked out through the White House oval offcie into a brutal war of attrition

It is now almost impossible that Crawford would ever consider a clash in MMA, particularly given he has retired and has no need to risk his undefeated legacy.

But the likes of heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk have teased a move to MMA.

Topuria nonetheless will now be focused on getting better after sustaining bad facial damage in his defeat.

He will not be interested in any more feuds until he has recovered, and is cleared to fight again.