Ilia Topuria gives up on BMF title demands, accepts fight with Max Holloway: ‘It’s clear he is next’

Ilia Topuria gives up on BMF title demands confirms fight with Max Holloway is nextLaying out a list of demands in order to offer former featherweight titleholder, Max Holloway a shot at divisional…

Ilia Topuria gives up on BMF title demands confirms fight with Max Holloway is next

Laying out a list of demands in order to offer former featherweight titleholder, Max Holloway a shot at divisional gold – which included his own pursuit of the symbolic BMF crown, Ilia Topuria has now confirmed he will stand opposite the Hawaiian next.

Topuria, the current undisputed featherweight champion, won divisional spoils at UFC 298 back in February, toppling common-foe, Alexander Volkanovski with a blistering second round KO to end the Australian’s title run.

Ilia Topuria urged to get fighting amid UFC title belt tour it's not coming off great it's just weird
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez – USA TODAY Sports

As for Holloway, the former undisputed featherweight gold holder featured on the main card of UFC 300 last month, turning in a buzzer-beating fifth round counter hook knockout win over Justin Gaethje to clinch the symbolic BMF championship in a memorable finishing sequence.

Max Holloway shows off dama
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

And staking his claim for a shot at Topuria’s featherweight title, Holloway’s calls had fallen on deaf ears in the time after his BMF title win, with the Spaniard claiming any fight with the former should see him put that symbolic up for grabs.

Ilia Topuria accepts fight with Max Holloway is next

Earlier this week, Topuria even went as far as offering the first shot at featherweight spoils to the number three ranked, Brian Ortega, however, appears to have conceded he will be fighting Holloway next – whom he vowed to finish whichever way he wished.

gettyimages 2019431702 612x612 1
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

“Yes, it will be (Max) Holloway,” Ilia Topuria told El Hormiguero of his next opponent. “It has been difficult for [Holloway] to accept the challenge, but it is clear that he is next.”

“So, wherever, whenever, at whatever weight, you choose if you want me to finish you, to knock you out,” Ilia Topuria issued to Max Holloway. “One very important thing: don’t forger the pillow for when you go to sleep. 

In the midst of a three-fight winning spree, prior to his lightweight return at UFC 300, Holloway had turned in a stunning walk-off KO win over Chan Sung Jung in the Korean’s retirement fight, which followed a Kansas City headliner against Arnold Allen, defeating the Ipswich native. 

Who wins in a featherweight title fight: Ilia Topuria or Max Holloway?

Video: Canelo Confronts And Blasts ‘F—king P—sy’ De La Hoya

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Saul “Canelo” Alvarez isn’t having it with Oscar De La Hoya.
The Super Middleweight title will be on the line inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada this weekend (Sat., May 4, 2024). Before Canelo …


Premier Boxing

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez isn’t having it with Oscar De La Hoya.

The Super Middleweight title will be on the line inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada this weekend (Sat., May 4, 2024). Before Canelo gets his hands on his opponent, Jaime Munguia, an attempt was made to put former boxer-turned-promoter, De La Hoya, in his place.

Canelo and De La Hoya traded barbs at the pre-fight press conference today (Weds., May 1, 2024). Heated by the exchange, the pound-for-pound boxer, Canelo, got up and confronted De La Hoya, requiring a separation as seen in the embedded video above.

“There were times where work was not my priority based on my mental health, which I had neglected for so long,” De La Hoya said. “That doesn’t change the fact that Golden Boy built Canelo Alvarez. Period. The company you fought under for decades has always had one name, and it’s mine. So put some f—king respect on it.

“As for Jaime, he has always dared to be great,” he continued. “Just as he is this Saturday night, and this serves as a bit of a full circle for him. Remember when Jaime was 21 years old? [He] volunteered to step in against ‘GGG’ and Canelo failed two drug tests. Though Jaime wasn’t allowed to fulfill his dream, on Saturday night, he will do just that. Fulfill his dream and become world champion.”

Canelo hurled Spanish expletives during De La Hoya’s comments, which he clarified directly afterward. Let’s say there isn’t any love lost between the two.

“He tried to steal money,” Canelo said. “He’s a f—king asshole. That’s what I said. He’s a f—king asshole. He tried to give the attention for him, not for Munguia. He’s a f—king asshole. He will steal [from] his fighters. That’s what he do. F—king p—sy. Motherf—ker.”

Canelo, 33, can extend his winning streak to four (60-2-2) with a win over Munguia. For Canelo’s fellow Mexican boxing star, Munguia, he looks to score the biggest victory of his career and stay undefeated after 43 consecutive wins.

For the entire Canelo vs. Munguia fight card and DAZN PPV lineup click here.

For more boxing news and notes click here.

Video – UFC champ Alex Pereira takes down Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier during backstage scuffle

Video - UFC champ Alex Pereira takes down Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier during backstage scuffleAlex Pereira and Daniel Cormier got into a scrap backstage that had to be broken up by security. In…

Video - UFC champ Alex Pereira takes down Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier during backstage scuffle

Alex Pereira and Daniel Cormier got into a scrap backstage that had to be broken up by security.

In a clip courtesy of Canal Encarada and shared by Championship Rounds on X, the current UFC champion and former two-division titleholder got into a clinch battle that ultimately ended when ‘Poatan’ put Cormier on the ground.

“Caught this scene between Alex Poatan and Daniel Cormier backstage at #UFCRio The two started playing sparring until the Brazilian put the American down and even had security to separate them,” Carnado wrote on Instagram. “Competitive or not?”

Alex Pereira won’t compete at UFC 301 as he had originally hoped

Pereria will almost certainly be in attendance for this Saturday’s UFC 301 card at the Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro. Unfortunately, ‘Poatan’ won’t be competing at the event as he had originally hoped. Following his sensational first-round knockout of Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 last month, Pereira hoped to make the quick turnaround for a heavyweight fight with Tom Aspinall three weeks later.

Alex Pereira

Sadly, a foot injury sustained in the weeks leading up to his latest title defense ruled Pereira out of fighting in his home country.

Unless he makes a move to heavyweight, Pereira’s next task will be to take on another light heavyweight challenger — namely Magomed Ankalaev. Riding a 10-fight win streak dating back to 2018, Ankalaev is undoubtedly the next man in line for a shot at the 205-pound crown. When and where that fight takes place is yet to be determined, but the Dagestani recently suggested the two square off in October when the UFC makes its annual pitstop in Abu Dhabi.

UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi

Pereira wasn’t too keen on that idea and insisted on a “homecoming” fight at Madison Square Garden in November.

‘Poatan’ won both the UFC middleweight and light heavyweight titles in his last two appearances at the world’s most famous arena.

Alex Pereira
Alex Pereira

UFC 301 Fight Card, By Number Of Drug Tests

Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Pesky drug testers! Perhaps Alexandre Pantoja should ask fellow UFC 301 fighter Jose Aldo to have them arrested and deported. Alexandre Pantoja is getting close to his drug-…


UFC 296: Edwards v Covington
Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Pesky drug testers! Perhaps Alexandre Pantoja should ask fellow UFC 301 fighter Jose Aldo to have them arrested and deported.

Alexandre Pantoja is getting close to his drug-testing varsity jacket.

“The Cannibal” has been one of the most consistently-tested fighters over the last few years, racking up 39 surprise visits from the folks at both United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and Drug Free Sport International (DFSI).

DFSI replaced USADA back in late 2023.

Pantoja will defend his flyweight title when he collides with No. 10-ranked contender Steve Erceg atop the UFC 301 pay-per-view (PPV) event, locked and loaded for this Sat. night (May 4, 2024) at Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. “Astro Boy” has been tested eight times in UFC (signing in June 2023).

Here’s the full UFC 301 lineup, complete with number of 2024 drug tests:

UFC 301 Main Event On ESPN+ PPV:

125 lbs.: UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja (2) vs. Steve Erceg (2)

UFC 301 Main Card On ESPN+ PPV:

135 lbs.: Jose Aldo (5) vs. Jonathan Martinez (1)
205 lbs.: Anthony Smith (2) vs. Vitor Petrino (2)
185 lbs.: Michel Pereira (2) vs. Ihor Potieria (1)
185 lbs.: Paul Craig (2) vs. Caio Borralho (1)

UFC 301 ‘Prelims’ Card On ESPN2/ESPN+:

145 lbs.: Joanderson Brito (1) vs. Jack Shore (1)
115 lbs.: Karolina Kowalkiewicz (2) vs. Iasmin Lucindo (2)
155 lbs.: Elves Brener (2) vs. Myktybek Orolbai (2)
145 lbs.: Jean Silva (2) vs. William Gomis (2)

UFC 301 Early ‘Prelims’ Card On ESPN+:

?155 lbs.: Joaquim Silva (1) vs. Drakkar Klose (2)
155 lbs.: Jamie Mullarkey (1) vs. Mauricio Ruffy (2)
125 lbs.: Dione Barbosa (1) vs. Ernesta Kareckaite (1)
155 lbs.: Ismael Bonfim (2) vs. Vinc Pichel (1)
125 lbs.: Alessandro Costa (1) vs. Kevin Borjas (2)

Aldo is the most tested fighter of 2024, second only to UFC 303’s Conor McGregor (7).

MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 301 fight card RIGHT HERE, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining undercard balance on ESPN2/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.

To check out the latest and greatest UFC 301: “Pantoja vs. Erceg” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive events archive right here. For the updated and finalized UFC 301 fight card and ESPN+ lineup click here.

Manel Kape claims he could beat Israel Adesanya in a street fight: ‘I’m undefeated in the streets’

Manel Kape claims he could beat Israel Adesanya in a street fight: 'I'm undefeated in the streets'Manel Kape believes he could take Israel Adesanya in a street fight. During a recent appearance on the JAXXON…

Manel Kape claims he could beat Israel Adesanya in a street fight: 'I'm undefeated in the streets'

Manel Kape believes he could take Israel Adesanya in a street fight.

During a recent appearance on the JAXXON podcast with Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, ‘Starboy’ claimed that he could take ‘The Last Stylebender’ in a scrap, regardless of the size disparity between the two.

“I’m undefeated in the streets. I don’t give a f*ck. I beat already many, many, many guys of his size. I don’t give a f*ck [about his size],” Kape said. “Put him in front of me in the streets, and we’re gonna see. It’s everything in the street… I’m pretty good too, brother” (h/t MiddleEasy).

It’s a pretty bold statement coming from Kape who stands at 5’6″ and regularly fights at 125 pounds — when he actually makes weight. By comparison Adesanya is 6’4″ tall and fights at middleweight, a weight class 60 pounds heavier than the one Kape calls home.

It’s certainly not the first time Kape has had something negative to say about fighters out of City Kickboxing in New Zealand. Last year, ‘Starboy’ went in on Adesanya’s teammate, Kai Kara-France, calling him and the entire gym a “bunch of f****ts” during a post-fight interview.

Manel Kape and Adesanya

Manel Kape continues fighting for his first uFC title opportunity while Adesanya prepares for his 12th career championship scrap

Manel Kape has won his last four fights inside the Octagon. Unfortunately, the streak has done little in the way of earning him a title opportunity amid a slew of canceled clashes. ‘Starboy’ was forced to withdraw from a fight with Matheus Nicolau on two separate occasions, one of which was because he failed to make the flyweight limit.

However, it should be noted that multiple fights, including bouts with Kai Kara-France, Deiveson Figueiredo, Alex Perez, Rogério Bontorin, and Alexandre Pantoja were all scrapped for a variety of issues, none of which were Kape’s fault.

Manel Kape

As for Adesanya, the ‘Stylebender’ is primed for a big return in 2024 after losing his middleweight crown for the second time in a year. The former two-time titleholder is expected to square off with reigning 185-pound king Dricus Du Plessis when he steps back inside the Octagon, though no official announcements have been made.

Adesanya and DDP

Watch the full JAXXON podcast episode below: