The world is waiting for the return of Ilia Topuria.
UFC 298 and UFC 300 left fans with two of the most memorable moments of 2024. The highlights began with Topuria, who fulfilled his claimed destiny when he knocked out the reigning Featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski (watch highlights). At UFC 300, the former champion, Max Holloway, returned to the Lightweight division and captured the Baddest Motherf*cker (BMF) championship with an unforgettable knockout of Justin Gaethje (watch highlights).
Since that fateful night in April 2024, everyone has expected and hoped to see Topuria’s first defense come against Holloway. However, progression toward the match up has seemingly been dragged out. That appears to be now changing if either’s social media presence is anything to go by.
“It seems that the UFC has forced him to say yes,” Topuria tweeted. “El Matador is back. Congratulations to all @ufc fans.”
Patiently waiting. #blessedexpress pic.twitter.com/vVmUFQCzkl
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) July 24, 2024
Topuria, 27, has made it a point that he only wants to fight Holloway if both of their titles are on the line. UFC CEO, Dana White, hasn’t budged much on the idea and presumably won’t if the fight gets made official.
Holloway, 32, last challenged for Featherweight gold in his trilogy bout against Volkanovski in July 2022. Unfortunately for “Blessed,” he lost a unanimous decision but has since taken his superstar status to a new level after his most recent win. The Gaethje knockout extended his overall winning streak to three straight (26-7) after epic performances against Arnold Allen and “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung.
As for Topuria, Holloway would be the second former champion he’s fought as his next fight will see him attempt to go 16-0 in his thus far perfect career.