Featherweight fighters Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria are engaged in a heated exchange ahead of a potential matchup.
Max Holloway responded to Ilia Topuria’s comments about their potential matchup 👀 pic.twitter.com/SSYPzV5AyB
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 1, 2024
Topuria recently clarified that he never turned down a rematch with Alex Volkanovski since he was never offered the fight by the UFC. He expressed his desire to face Holloway and confidently stated that he would be the first to knock him out.
Holloway responded by accusing Topuria of making things difficult and laughed off his comments. The tension between the two fighters is increasing, setting the stage for a potentially exciting fight.
There have been discussions about Topuria defending his belt in Spain, but due to infrastructure issues, it seems unlikely to happen until 2025. Instead, a showdown in Las Vegas between Holloway and Topuria, possibly at UFC 306, is more likely. The fight lineup for the event is expected to be announced soon.
Topuria’s reign as Featherweight champion has been eventful, with his notable victory over Alexander Volkanovski. However, Holloway’s recent win in the Lightweight division against Justin Gaethje has positioned him well for a title challenge in the Featherweight division once again.
There were rumors that Topuria turned down a rematch against Volkanovski, but he denied ever being offered the fight. Volkanovski has expressed frustration with Topuria’s alleged fight denials.
Topuria has maintained his desire for the BMF crown to be on the line in his fight against Holloway, or he will move on to face either Volkanovski or Brian Ortega.
Holloway responded to Topuria’s call for a matchup with mutual respect and acknowledged the possibility of a future fight. He referred to a Bible verse, indicating his readiness for the challenge.
The exchange showed good sportsmanship between the two fighters and set the stage for a potential showdown.
It’s all love champ. I’ll be seeing you soon. Jeremiah 51:20 https://t.co/D6i8Ph7SQ5
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) April 15, 2024
Holloway considers his victory over Jose Aldo in Brazil at UFC 212 as the top moment in his career, despite the significance of his recent win against Gaethje at UFC 300.
He commended Topuria for his knockout win over Volkanovski but took the opportunity to remind him of their disparate records.
While Topuria remains a top option for Holloway, he is open to other potential fights. He could await a chance to face Conor McGregor or Michael Chandler after their fight at UFC 303.
Holloway may also consider pursuing a title shot at lightweight against Islam Makhachev or Dustin Poirier. He is open to the opportunities presented to him and is awaiting the UFC’s decision.
Bro you’re the one making this hard. Ennnnooouuggghhhh already lol. I’ll “bring your belt” The Bitching Mother Fcker 😂 All you are doing is putting words together now. You’re spiraling. 🤙🏻 https://t.co/u21kB8YELv
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) May 1, 2024
The rivalry between Holloway and Topuria is intensifying, potentially leading to a highly anticipated fight. The fighters have exchanged words, with Topuria expressing his desire for the matchup and Holloway acknowledging the possibility.
The location for the fight is likely to be in Las Vegas, and the event’s fight lineup will be announced soon.
Fans reacted as follows:
I like Topuria as a fighter but he comes off unlikeable IMO. Dude hasn’t even defended the belt acting like he gets to call every shot. Not saying he can’t do it, just saying I’m not a fan of how he’s carrying himself.
— TitoToro 🍌 (@TitoToro_) May 1, 2024
You got to be really unlikable for Max to cuss at you. Hes one of the the friendliest guys in the UFC..
— The Combat Sports Matrixer (@TheCSMatrixer) May 1, 2024
Whole lot of politics going on
Honestly idk why max would even go back down to 145 after having a performance like he did at lightweight
— Quan (@quan_eth) May 1, 2024
Max Cooked him 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pXog622M1N
— Talking Lizard 🦎 (@Lizard69Talking) May 1, 2024
In as much as Topuria’s demand (for the belt to also be put on the line) is legit, it’s also good to remind him that Masvidal (1st belt holder) fought 4 times (including 2 champ fights) without putting it on the line.
Secondly, no holder of the belt has won a fight afterwards.— MMA SQUABBLER (@MMASquabbler) May 1, 2024
Hope max dominates. Don’t like ilias attitude.
— Josh Langford (@Josh1Langford) May 1, 2024
Holloway 10-8 I fear
— RAJ 4 MVP 🏆 (@donaldracuna13) May 1, 2024
Topuria’s aura is unmatched
— zakaria triki (@zakariatriki1) May 1, 2024
Ilia Topuria bout to retire Potato Face max
— Gustavo Coicenção (@CFCGustavo_) May 1, 2024
That passage hits hard when you see 145 as Topuria's "kingdom."
— Weasle (@ThaWeasle) April 15, 2024
Let's GOOO 😤 Can't wait, you and Ilia will be an absolute banger 💯 pic.twitter.com/0PCI47uO93
— OddSmokerSteve (@OddSmokerSteve) April 15, 2024
Topuira when Max starts pointing at the ground pic.twitter.com/1CZM32Wq0s
— UFCStats💭 (@TheUFCStats) May 1, 2024
Caring about getting the BMF belt is not very BMF of him 💀
— Elon Rakhmonov 🇦🇺 (@ElonRakhmonov) May 1, 2024
Hold on I'm rewatching your fight brotha pic.twitter.com/MsKOoVaBHC
— CLIPS (@yourclipss) May 1, 2024
He’s not gonna know what hit him when the Blessed Express comes through. pic.twitter.com/yzuZTNPrno
— la_gent (@lagent213) May 1, 2024
Max just created a new belt for Ilia 😂 pic.twitter.com/x8R2a4Pzwv
— AFeldmanMMA (@afeldMMA) May 1, 2024
Ilia isn’t ready pic.twitter.com/k2I7roruj2
— Premier TV ⚡️📺 (@PremierOG) May 1, 2024
Illia Topuria skipped Max on the way to the title shot. This is the biggest fight to make at 145. pic.twitter.com/CHFqG9VQQW
— Pound 4 Pound GOAT (@Pound4PoundGOAT) May 1, 2024
Max, wait for the Conor fight before signing anything. He’s trying to bait you into a fight before you get that option. You could have the possibility of fighting Conor for the BMF and Dustin for the 155 title, while still having the Ilia fight in the back pocket. Be patient.
— Not Sure (@MrMauro3) May 1, 2024
Ilia boutta be lookin like max son asking to hold his belts when max wins pic.twitter.com/mFQrZojiA0
— Dana White’s personal butler (@tacofriedsoup) May 1, 2024
found a picture of @Topuriailia pic.twitter.com/Jau5sEuMTz
— BEAV 🦫 (@beaverbtfd) May 1, 2024
Ilia speaking on fighting Max/Volk/Brian: https://t.co/9yjWQpsE7U
— FightCrack (@FightCrack) May 1, 2024
I feel Illia is making way to many demands for just winning the belt and hasn't defended yet. He making every excuse not to fight anyone at the moment. Dude really wants to fight Ortega for his defense. Another Islam champ. Gonna go months if not yrs with no real defense
— 🎮 GeebZGames 🎮 (@InkbyDennis) May 1, 2024
