Oh boy, Ilia Topuria’s got some thoughts, and he’s not shy about sharing them. He’s looking at the featherweight title scene and scratching his head. Why? Because he thinks if Max Holloway isn’t ready to put his BMF title on the line, then maybe, just maybe, he shouldn’t be first in line for a shot at the featherweight crown.
Now, let’s talk about Holloway for a sec. The man snagged the BMF title with a stunning fifth-round KO of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. Not too shabby, right? Post-fight, Topuria was quick to throw his hat in the ring, challenging Holloway for a featherweight title shot. But here’s the kicker: he wants the BMF belt up for grabs too. Holloway’s response? He likened it to an “angry girlfriend text.” Ouch.
Topuria’s not having any of it, though. He’s calling foul, saying it’s not cool for Holloway to eye a featherweight title shot without risking his BMF title. It’s like, Holloway wants to keep his BMF status safe, even if he loses. Topuria’s basically like, “Come on, man. You’re the BMF champ. Step up or step aside.”
During a chat on the Webpositer podcast, Topuria laid it all out. “You’ve got the chance for the title. What’s it gonna be? Are we fighting or what?” He’s baffled by Holloway’s stance, questioning how Holloway can still claim to be the BMF if he’s not willing to put it all on the line.
For Topuria, the BMF title is what keeps Holloway in the featherweight title conversation. Without it, he’d rather go toe-to-toe with Alexander Volkanovski again, the guy he knocked out to claim the throne at UFC 298. Or maybe even Brian Ortega, who’s fresh off a win against Yair Rodriguez and posed a real threat to Volkanovski during their UFC 266 clash. More so, according to Topuria, than Holloway did in their entire trilogy.
Topuria’s stance is clear: if the BMF belt isn’t part of the deal, he’s moving on. Volkanovski deserves a rematch first, and then there’s Ortega, always ready to throw down, with a string of impressive wins under his belt. It’s fight talk, sure, but it’s also about what makes a fight meaningful. And for Topuria, it’s all about the belts and the battles that bring out the best in the fighters.