As UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi approaches, the hype surrounding the highly anticipated fight card is intensifying, particularly the main event featuring BMF titleholder Max Holloway and featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. This marks the first time ‘El Matador’ will defend his title against the former champion, raising the stakes significantly. Since the beginning of their rivalry, Holloway and Topuria have engaged in a back-and-forth exchange, accusing each other of avoiding the fight.

Recently, Holloway labeled Topuria a “liar,” and Topuria echoed this sentiment while speaking to Ariel Helwani on YouTube. When Helwani inquired about Topuria’s situation, Topuria reaffirmed his stance, asserting, “Yeah, he was avoiding me all the time. He said something like, ‘No, I told the UFC I want the easiest fight; I want to fight Ilia Topuria.’ That’s a lie! I challenge you. You never chose this fight. I am the champion; I choose who I want to fight next. I said I want to fight Holloway.”

To strengthen his statement, Topuria further emphasized Holloway’s recent stint in the lightweight division against Justin Gaethje for the BMF title, claiming that Holloway wants to stay in that division to avoid facing Topuria and instead face ranked #6 contender Michael Chandler.

However, following pressure from UFC president Dana White and the matchmakers to return to featherweight, Holloway agreed to the bout. Topuria said, “When they said, ‘Max, you have to fight Ilia because he wants to fight you,’ he finally had to accept it. But in the beginning, he was trying really, really hard to avoid me.” During the same discussion, Ilia Topuria elaborated on why he remained focused on Max Holloway, despite Holloway’s attempts to sidestep the matchup.

Why Does Ilia Topuria Want to Face Max Holloway?

Max Holloway, in his 14-year journey in the UFC, has become a force to be reckoned with, defeating everyone who came in his way to reach the top. The Hawaiian native has consistently been willing to fight anyone, regardless of weight class or division. ‘Blessed’ remained undefeated for 13 straight fights, a period often regarded as the modern era of the UFC. During this time, Holloway established himself as the featherweight fighter with the most finishes, including his recent knockout of Justin Gaethje, which is now considered one of the best in MMA history.

Now, at 32 years of age, Holloway represents the dream matchup for newcomers looking to make their mark in the UFC featherweight division. This list includes its current champion, Ilia Topuria. When asked by Ariel Helwani about facing Holloway, Topuria revealed, “Because I fought Volk, who is one of the biggest names in the division. Now we have Max Holloway, who has fought every champion in the featherweight division, so I wanted to do that.”

What’s your take on Ilia Topuria’s remark? Do you think Max Holloway would shy away from any opponent due to fear of defeat? Drop your opinion below.