Ryan Garcia's feud with Ilia Topuria has already moved beyond a simple boxing argument, and now another UFC fighter has stepped into the debate.
Topuria and Garcia traded shots on X after the UFC two-weight champion said a boxing match with Garcia would feel comfortable for him.
The WBC welterweight champion fired back by saying the Spaniard was only a good striker for MMA, before later claiming 'El Matador' does not have "ground game".
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
That comment drew a sharp response from Cody Durden, a 35-year-old UFC flyweight who debuted in the promotion in 2020.
Durden has seven wins, eight defeats and one draw in the UFC, and he clearly felt Garcia had badly misread Topuria's overall skill set.
"You don't think Ilia has a ground game? You're delusional, Ryan Garcia," the 35-year-old wrote on X.
He then issued a direct challenge, writing: "How about you and I grapple for 10k? I submit you in under two minutes or I lose. I'm 145lbs. Survive 1 minute and you keep 5k."
His response highlighted a point that often gets lost when Topuria's rise is discussed. The knockouts have made him a crossover name, but they are not his whole game.
The Spaniard's power has defined his recent profile, especially as he talks up boxing names. Still, Durden's reaction was a reminder that his strong grappling background remains part of the threat.
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