Conor McGregor defends Ilia Topuria against ‘pitiful’ Terence Crawford’s taunts after UFC White House

UFC superstar Conor McGregor surprisingly defended Ilia Topuria against boxer Terence Crawford’s taunts following UFC White House.

Justin Gaethje pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history by defeating reigning lightweight champ Ilia Topuria on Sunday at UFC White House. The 37-year-old Gaethje claimed the lightweight throne after two previously failed attempts to win the undisputed title.

On the other side, it was a stunning loss for Topuria, after the confident UFC star promised a quick knockout of Gaethje at the White House. In the lead-up to UFC White House, Topuria also hinted at challenging for a third UFC title and potential boxing matches against the likes of Terence Crawford and Shakur Stevenson.

After watching Topuria’s loss at UFC White House, Crawford got the last laugh.

In a Sunday night tweet, Crawford mocked Topuria following his loss to Gaethje.

“This the guy that said he would knock me out and whoop me and Shakur [Stevenson] at the same time? [LAUGHS]” Crawford posted after Topuria’s loss.

Former two-division champion Conor McGregor, who will return to the Octagon next month at UFC 329, has had plenty of bad blood with Topuria over the last year. The two brash combat sports juggernauts have traded threats on social media, with McGregor inviting Topuria to meet him face-to-face at a recent Bare Knuckle FC event in Spain.

Despite their differences, McGregor took a surprising stance in Topuria’s defense after Crawford’s tweet.

Conor McGregor backs Ilia Topuria after Terence Crawford’s post-fight taunts

In a recent tweet, McGregor issued a fiery response to Crawford taunting Topuria.

“What the f— are you saying? You can wrestle, yet you are afraid of an MMA fight. That to me is pitiful,” McGregor said.

“The kid was beaten in an MMA fight, of which you don’t have the courage for. What the f— was with all these little boxers at this show yet no MMA fighters?”

“#TheseBoysAintManEnough”

McGregor’s defense of Topuria might be seen as an indirect debt paid to the former lightweight champ after Topuria picked him to beat Max Holloway at UFC 329. Topuria has also been compared to McGregor for his brashness and abilities as a fight promoter.

What’s next for Ilia Topuria after UFC White House? Let us know your predictions in the comments!