Ilia Topuria has agreed to fight Max Holloway, warning him that after their fight, Holloway will have to go back in line.
Ilia Topuria is all set. He’s ready to give Max Holloway what he’s been asking for.
Holloway, fresh off his epic knockout victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, isn’t wasting time. He’s already calling out featherweight champ Topuria. All week, Holloway’s been saying that Topuria climbed the 145-pound ladder without facing him. Now, he thinks it’s time Topuria took that test.
Topuria? He’s game. But he’s got a warning for Holloway.
“Max Holloway is my next fight,” Topuria confirmed (translated from Spanish by ESPN’s Carlos Contreras Legaspi). “Enjoy tonight, Max, but after me, you’re back in line.”
Topuria’s record is spotless. He’s undefeated in his pro career, with a 7-0 streak in the UFC. He’s taken down contenders like Josh Emmett and Bryce Mitchell. He seized his title shot opportunity, finishing off champ Alexander Volkanovski in Round 2 at UFC 298. That made him the first to defeat Volkanovski in a 145-pound match.
Holloway? He’s come up short in three title bouts against “The Great.” But he feels he’s earned his shot at Topuria and the chance to reclaim the featherweight title.
“That’s cool,” Holloway said at the post-fight press conference, responding to Topuria’s challenge. “What if he’s the one who ends up at the back of the line? We’ll see. I’ve got questions.”
“We’re fighters. Ilia can talk, but I’ve got questions. I like to listen. If this fight happens, you’ll get answers. I’m excited.”
Topuria was right there at cageside. He saw the thrilling finish to the “BMF” title fight. His reaction was caught on video. Depending on how you see it, Topuria was either unfazed by the finale or too shocked to react.
Holloway has questions about Topuria. And he knows there’s only one way to get answers.
“People say, ‘Oh, he’s like whatever,’ but I don’t know him,” Holloway said about Topuria’s reaction. “Maybe he’s socially awkward. I don’t know how animated he is, so I’m not going to judge.”
“He’s a world champion, a killer. But like I’ve been saying all fight week, I’ve got questions. I want to figure him out.”