Last night, a host of boxing stars were in attendance at the ‘UFC Freedom 250’ event at The White House, including recently retired pound-for-pound great Terence Crawford. After he commented on the main event, former MMA champion Conor McGregor took issue with his analysis.
Headlining the UFC bill was Georgian lightweight world champion Ilia Topuria, who called for a boxing bout with ‘Bud’ back in September, pursuing a lucrative scrap with the American after witnessing him overcome Canelo Alvarez.
The invitation was laughed off by Crawford, who said that he did not know who Topuria was.
Now, with Crawford sitting at ringside, Topuria lost to Justin Gaetjhe via fourth-round stoppage, an upset which has cost him both his UFC title and undefeated record.
Upon witnessing the contest, Crawford took to social media to poke fun at Topuria, insinuating that their fight would have been extremely one-sided.
This the guy that said he would knock me out and whoop me and Shakur at the same time?😂😂😂
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) June 15, 2026
In response, McGregor spoke up for Topuria, declaring that Crawford is ‘afraid of an MMA fight’ and that he is ‘not man enough’ to step into the Octagon.
“What the f**k are you saying? 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?”
What the fuck are you saying? 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 fuck was with all these little boxers at this show yet no MMA fighters?… https://t.co/cqmO1NHrs6
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 15, 2026
Crawford then fired back, claiming that he ‘does not need to fight in the cage’ and that it’s the job of the MMA fighters to come and prove themselves to the world of boxing, rather than the other way around.
Shut yo drunk as up and get ready for yo fight. He got his ass whoop like you did running yo mouth. I don’t have to come and fight in the cage. That’s the joy of boxing yall come to us we don’t have to come to yall.🤫
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) June 15, 2026
Crawford has maintained that he will not make the move into MMA, stating that the fighters ‘do not get paid enough’ for him to consider making the switch, despite his wrestling background.
McGregor has been absent from the UFC since his broken-leg defeat to Dustin Poirier in 2021. Although several comeback plans have been discussed in the years since, none have made it to fight night. He is now booked to return on July 12 against Max Holloway. He has had one professional boxing bout – a 2017 loss to Floyd Mayweather – and has teased a return to the ring in future.
