Ilia Topuria wants BMF title fight with Max Holloway

19 April 2024

Following Max Holloway's dramatic victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, where he claimed the "BMF" title, attention quickly turned to a potential clash with newly crowned featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. In response to Holloway's callout, Topuria expressed eagerness to face him, with both men's belts on the line.

Speaking on The MMA Hour, Topuria revealed his long-standing desire to fight Holloway, stating, "I asked for Max before the Volkanovski fight. I was asking for him all the time. Finally, they gave me Volkanovski because they hid him for this moment."

The prospect of a showdown with Holloway serves as a source of motivation for Topuria, who believes he holds the upper hand in every aspect of the fight. "I know I will be the first one to take his lights out. I know that I’m way better than him everywhere," he confidently asserted.

Topuria clinched the featherweight title in February with a sensational victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. However, his interest in facing Holloway stems from the latter's acquisition of the BMF belt, adding another layer of significance to the potential matchup.

"If not, I’m going to fight with Volk for the rematch. But because he has that belt, I’m excited about that. That’s why I want him," Topuria emphasized.

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While Holloway has hinted at other potential opponents, Topuria remains undeterred, issuing a clear message: "Just get ready, be waiting for the call...Try that and trust me, I’m going to put your lights out."

With plans for his next fight tentatively set for UFC 306 at The Sphere in Las Vegas, Topuria remains focused on his larger goal of bringing UFC to Spain in the near future. However, for now, all eyes are on a potential showdown between Topuria and Holloway, promising a clash of titans for unified glory.